MONTCO fall15

CONTENTS 

FALL 2015 

MONTCO 

Issue 1, Volume 1 

MONTCO HOMES, GARDENS & LIFESTYLE 

Departments 

6 

8 

10 

12 

14 

24 

27 

30 

68 

72 

74 

80 

FROM THE EDITOR 

CRAFTS 

TRENDS 

NOTEWORTHY 

WHAT TO DO 

ART 

PEOPLE 

IN THE GARDEN 

HOME 

GARDEN PROJECT 

DINING OUT 

FINALE 

Features 

36 

46 

56 

TODAY’S OUTDOOR 

LIVING ENVIRONMENTS 

The old ideas of a patio, grill and few 

pieces of furniture has been replaced 

with environments that offer features 

like fire pits, outdoor lighting, permeable 

paving, and rain gardens. 

SEED TO PLATE 

Sloan Six’s philosophy about the 

food she grows and raises at Quarry 

Hill Farm and serves at the Mainland 

Inn is that food is a living thing and 

shouldn’t travel very much before it is 

eaten. 

COOKING IN STYLE 

Three dream kitchens by three local 

designers who have designed 

kitchens in the area that are keeping 

up with newer trends. 

On the Cover 

Farm in Autumn, painted by our 

cover artist Jennifer Hansen Rolli, 

captures the beauty rural Montgomery 

County on a vibrant autumn day.

©2015 Wood-Mode, Inc. 

Entertain with stately charm. 

Embassy Row by Wood-Mode. 

For more inspiration visit wood-mode.com 

821 Bethlehem Pike 

Erdenheim, PA 19038 

215.233.0503 

www.piersonkitchens.com

Publisher 

William N. Waite 

Associate Publisher 

Frank Boyd 

Executive Editor 

Bob Waite 

Art Direction 

BCM MEDIA CO., INC. 

Advertising Director 

Vicky M. Waite 

Administration 

Melissa Kutalek 

Calendar Editor 

Mary Beth Schwartz 

Cover Artist 

Jennifer Hansen Rolli 

Contributing Writers 

Diana Cercone, 

Sue Gordon, 

Lori Pelkowski, 

Margo A. Ragan, 

Mary Beth Schwartz, 

Bob Waite 

Circulation 

BCM MEDIA Co., INC. 

Contributing Photographers 

Melissa Kutalek, Glenn Race 

Account Executives 

Frank Boyd, Lisa Bridge, 

Kathy Driver, Lisa Kruse 

MONTCO Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle 

Magazine, 309 W. Armstrong Drive, Fountainville, 

PA 18923, phone 215-766-2694 • Fax 

215-766-8197. www.montcomag.com. Published 

quarterly by BCM Media Company Inc., Fountainville, 

PA. All contents copyright by BCM 

Media Company DBA/Montco Homes, Gardens 

& Lifestyle Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Published 

quarterly. Four-issue subscription for U.S. 

is $15.95, in Canada $35.00, U.S. dollars only. 

Foreign one-year rate is $90. Standard postage 

paid at Lancaster, PA. Single-copy price is $4.95 

plus $3.00 postage and handling. 

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 

MONTCO Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle 

Magazine, PO BOX 36, Morrisville, PA 19067. 

This magazine welcomes, but cannot be responsible 

for, manuscripts and photos unless accompanied 

by a stamped, self-addressed return 

envelope. 

4 M O N T C O M A G . C O M

Designed by architect Ken Tate, Honored with the Shutze Award from the Southeastern Division 

of the Institute of Classical Architecture 

You don’t put just any shutters on a home such 

as this. You choose Timberlane. While most 

people love their look, to you, the beauty’s in the 

details. In the clear, kiln-dried western red cedar. 

The mortise and tenon joinery. The copper capping to 

protect joints from moisture. The knowledge that their 

beauty will endure. And, that they are custom made 

to match the most exacting of standards and the most 

discriminating of tastes. 

NEW! 

Mission Style Shutters 

Available in Maintenance-Free Endurian TM and Premium Wood 

WWW.FINESHUTTERS.COM/MONTCO 

Timberlane, Inc. • 150 Domorah Drive • Montgomeryville, PA 18936 • 800 250 2221

From the Editor 

Welcome to MONTCO Homes, Gardens & 

Lifestyle. Inside this magazine we hope to show 

you some very wonderful things about Montgomery 

County. And we want you to find us 

entertaining and informative. In fact, we want 

to take you into our confidence and show you why Montgomery 

County is a great place to live. We also hope that you will tap us for 

ideas about your home and your gardens, restaurants to visit and 

places to see. 

In this premier Fall 2015 issue we have a feature on kitchens and 

another one on outdoor rooms. Our kitchen feature, “Cooking in 

Style,” by Mary Beth Schwartz looks at three projects by top area 

kitchen design and build firms and it reviews trends in both décor 

and functionality. And what better time to think about kitchens 

than the fall when things begin to get cooler and indoor entertaining 

takes precedence over the barbeque. 

Besides kitchens, a top interest for homeowners now is just what 

to do with the backyard and surrounding landscape. The days are 

gone when just a deck and patio would do, so we went to four major 

landscape design firms to see what they were doing. We looked at 

projects that included outdoor kitchens, outdoor lighting, permeable 

paving, and water gardens. The trends toward sustainability and 

environmental friendly landscapes is shown to be a major concern 

in Montgomery County. 

Our big lifestyle article is about the relationship between what is 

grown and raised on Quarry Hill Farm and is cooked and served at 

the Mainland Inn. The connection between these is Sloan Six, who 

dedicated herself and her farm to producing and serving locally 

grown food. We chose prominent food writer Diana Cercone to describe 

what Sloan has done with the farm and the restaurant in her 

article, “Seed to Plate.” 

In addition to our features we have departments on art, crafts, 

home styles, restaurants, gardening, people, places and things to do 

this fall in Montgomery County. Please enjoy this premier copy of 

MONTCO Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle. 

Sincerely 

Bob Waite 

Editor 


Crafts 

Nicole 

Dubrow 

At Black Sheep Pottery ceramic 

artist Niclole Dubrow creates 

community with her art 

–by Bob Waite 

NNICOLE DUBROW, A TALENTED CERAMIC, ARTIST 

is managing director of of a unique studio called Black 

Sheep Pottery in Skippack, which she opened after many 

years of study in prestigious schools on both the East and 

West Coast. Nicole became a ceramics professor and also 

did a stint as an assistant to the famous ceramist Betty 

Woodman. She obtained a BFA in sculpture from the San 

Francisco Art Institute in sculpture. After that she embarked 

on an illustrious career in ceramics. “I love material. 

And all sculpture is about material, especially ceramics.” 

Nicole loves to teach. Art is communal and Nicole is 

community minded. So in 2008 she opened Black Sheep 

Pottery. The plan was simple. Nicole would teach children 

and adults ceramics and at the same time she would concontinued 

on page 79 


Karen 

Advanced Lung Disease Survivor 

and Lung Transplant Recipient 

THE HARRON LUNG CENTER IS #1 IN THE REGION, 

TOP 10 IN THE 

NATION. 

I lived 

with sarcoidosis whichh 

turned into pulmonary hypertension. The disease 

made 

leaving the house or doing everyday things unimaginable. The Harron Lung CenteratPenn 

Medicine 

helped me manage my advanced lung disease 

and gave me the confidence 

to 

feel 

at ease about receiving a lung transplant. With more 

top pulmonary doctors 

than all 

Philadelphia hospitals combined – I knew I was in good hands. 

Thanks to them, I’m aliv e and 

enjoying my new job – full-time 

grandma. 

To sch 

heduleaconsultation, in 

the city or in your community, call 

800.789.PENN (7366) or visit 

PennMedicine.org/BreatheEasier

Trends 

MONTCO 

JEWELRY 

… this stylish necklace and 

set of earrings is from the 

Patricia Locke Collection. 

This jewelry blends the 

depth of fine art with a 

modern sense of fashion. 

Available at Accents on 

the Rocks, 4064 Skippack 

Pike, Skippack, PA; 610- 

615-5901; or visit them at 

facebook.com/accentson 

therocks.com. 

NEW RELEASE 

COUNTRY CABINET 

… this charming country floor cabinet with glass doors and antiqued look 

is great to showcase some of your fine collectibles. Available at Reed’s 

Country Store, Rts. 202 and 73, Centre Square, PA; 610-275-9426. 

… Legendary Locals of Ambler, by Frank D. Quattrone, 

Arcadia Publishing. Now available at local retailers, 

online bookstores, or through Arcadia 

Publishing and The History Press, 888-313-2665; 

www.arcadiapublishing.com. 


POOL TABLE 

... this beautiful solid wood pool table is available in many 

standard finishes, to match almost any décor. "Made in 

America by Olhausen." Come see our showroom at Royal 

Billiards, 2622 Bethlehem Pike, Hatfield, PA; 

215-997-7777; www.royalbilliard.com. 

CLASSY HEADS 

… it’s time to sing in the shower again! Art in the bathroom is 

not limited to framed pieces. The Moxie Showerhead and wireless 

speaker by Kohler is available for you bathroom through 

Skippack Kitchen & Bath, 1042 Bridge Road, Skippack, PA; 

610-409-7998; www.skippackkitchens.com. 

HANDCRAFTED 

CUTTING BOARDS 

… beautiful Handcrafted Cutting Boards. Choose 

from an incredible selection of "ready made" or 

order a "custom board" for yourself! Great for quality 

gift giving.Available at Allen Antiques, 3004 

Skippack Pike, Worcester, PA; 610.584.5559. 

... new ceramic pottery mugs, espresso and cappuccino cups by Nicole Dubrow, of Black Sheep Pottery, with handcrafted 

botanical designs on white stoneware that highlight comfort and gentle curves in hand. Visit the Gallery at Black Sheep Pottery, 

4038 Skippack Pike, Skippack Village, PA; 610-584-5877; visit www.blacksheeppottery.org/shop. 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 11

NOTEWORTHY 

What’s happening in Montgomery County 

Southern Living Idea House 

Timberlane, Inc., specializing in custom exterior 

shutters and hand-forged hardware, is a featured 

vendor of the 2015 Southern Living Idea 

House in Charlottesville, Virginia. The objective of 

this celebrated Southern Living annual highlight, 

now in its 26th year, is to bring “inspired style to the 

South.” To add another refined touch to this year’s 

featured home, Timberlane provided shutters to 

long-time client Summit Custom Homes, the builder 

selected to construct the modern farmhouse in this 

revered southern town. Timberlane produced ten 

fixed louver shutters, crafted with their Western Red Cedar premium 

wood product, and painted in Old Essex Green, a complementary 

color to the taupe and orange toned stone used on 

the home’s exterior. Timberlane also provided shutter hinges, pintels, 

and tiebacks to help complete the curb appeal of the home. 

Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Montgomeryville, Pa., 

Timberlane produces custom exterior shutters and hand-forged 

hardware, renowned for their exceptional quality. With a vast 

number of options for standard shutters, including panel configurations 

and cutouts, in addition to full customization and matching 

capabilities, Timberlane fulfills even the most exacting needs 

and specifications. Timberlane also offers the largest collection 

of hand-forged and period-perfect shutter hardware available. 

Timberlane is located at 150 Domorah Drive, Montgomeryville, 

PA 18936. To talk to a consultant, call 800-250-2221. For information, 

visit http://www.timberlane.com. 

Everence Financial Advisors 

Cultivating generosity is not a new concept at Everence Financial Advisors, which has been 

helping people integrate their faith and values with their financial decisions for 70 years. 

How is Everence different? Everence has been a leader in providing options for socially responsible 

investments, which make our world a better place. “Our clients give us high marks for 

being trustworthy, both in our professional competence and putting their needs first. We serve as a 

dependable guide to help people navigate the financial complexities of life,” said Randy Delp, Managing 

Director in Souderton. Everence Financial Advisors is located at Village Centre Office Suites, 

121 N. Main St, STE 210, Souderton, PA 18964-1715. For information call, 215-703-0111, or 

toll-free 877-420-9789 or visit www.everence.com/souderton. 

This Very Ground, This Crooked Affair 

On Thursday, November 19 at 7:30 spend an evening with John L. Ruth. In his 

inimitable style, by word and image, John L. Ruth addresses the transfer of land 

from Lenape hunting woods to immigrant plantations, specifically in the Branch 

Creek watershed in Lower Salford. Main characters in this story include William 

Penn, Lenape Headman Sassoonan, surveyors Thomas Fairman and David Powell, 

and the family of Gerhart and Ann Clemens. Emphasis will be placed on how the 

land transactions look after a quarter millennium. The lecture will be held at Franconia 

Elementary School, 366 Harleysville Pike, Souderton, PA 18964. 


Comprehensive Pain 

Management 

S.E. PA. Pain Management is a group 

of caring and committed certified 

physicians who provide the highest 

quality of care. In the diagnosis and treatment 

of each patient, you receive a medical 

evaluation and a corresponding treatment 

plan specialized for your needs. S.E. PA. 

physicians can treat pain for a number of 

neck and back issues, such as herniated or 

degenerative discs, fractured of slipped 

vertebrae or spinal fractures and pain relief 

associated with cancer, shingles, fibromyalgia, 

stroke, arthritis, etc. Some examples 

of pain treatments provided include nerve 

blocks, Nerve Root injections, Steroid injections, 

medical acupuncture, Botox injections, 

radio frequency, and Prolotheraphy 

regenerative medicine. S.E. PA. Pain Management 

is committed to helping you live a happier and healthier lifestyle. For a listing of S.E. PA. Pain Management’s offices, you 

can visit their website at www.sepapain.com. For scheduling, call 855-235-7246. 

Meet our Experts 

Experts are needed when selecting the proper lighting. At Bergey’s lighting 

showroom you have the opportunity to talk to experts who are on 

the cutting edge of the industry in lighting and appliances. Dave Nyce’s 

experience and knowledge will help you find the fixture or fixtures that will 

light your world. Design and style are as important as the functionality of 

your lighting. For appliances our expert is Dean Dimmig, who will listen to 

your appliance needs to schedule a time with our experts. Come visit our 

showroom at 2880 Penn Street, Hatfield, PA 19440. Or call to for an appointment 

to schedule a time with the experts at 215-723-5518; Dave ext. 

122; Dean ext. 112. 

Perfect Score for Closet City LTD. 

At the 2015 Cabinets & Closets Gala Awards two entries received perfect 

scores from the judges (a first in the history of the award) and made them 

both Overall Winners. One of the winners was Janet Stevenson, Closet 

City Ltd, Montgomeryville, PA for her project “Personal Boutique,” entered in the 

Closet: Laminate Under 18 Linear Feet category. She said, “My client wanted to take an unused bedroom located directly off of the master bedroom, 

and make it into her ‘Personal, Glamorous Boutique’ closet … She wanted lots of shelving, cabinets, and hanging areas around the outskirts of the 

room, with an island in the center filled with multiple jewelry drawers. Her request was for as much bling and ‘drama’ for her boutique as we could 

provide, while keeping her budget in mind as she was simultaneously having a major kitchen renovation done. Her wish list included having her 

shoes visually available, all of her folded sweaters behind glass doors, a ‘jewelry store’ affect, and a Hollywood-style dressing table.” Closet City Ltd. 

is located at 619 Bethlehem Pike (Route 309), Montgomeryville, PA; 215-855-4400 or visit www.closetcity.com. 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 13

What to do Fall 2015 

American Treasure Tour in Oaks, PA offers an eclectic collection of Americana, 112 Mills Road, Oaks, PA; www.americantreasuretour.com. 

ANTIQUES 

RENNINGERS 

September 18-19: Antique Radio Show 

September 19-20; October 17-18: Vintage 

Antiques Fair 

September 24-26: Antiques & Collectors 

Extravaganza 

October 17-18: Steampunk Industrial Show 

Admission. Rain or shine. 740 Noble Street, 

Kutztown, PA. 570-385-0104; 

www.renningers.net. 

SANFORD ALDERFER 

September 30: Book, Postcard, and 

Ephemera Auction 

October 6: Coin and Currency Auction 

October 13: Firearms Auction 

October 15: Military Auction 

October 27: Stamp Auction 

October 29: Doll Auction 

501 Fairgrounds Road, Hatfield, PA. 

215-393-3000; www.alderferauction.com. 

POOK & POOK, INC. 

October 3: Americana Auction 

October 31: International Auction 

November 21: Firearms Auction 

463 East Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, 

PA. 610-269-4040; www.pookandpook.com. 

THE MAIN LINE ANTIQUES SHOW 

October 3-4: A number of East Coast dealers 

will be showcasing antique jewelry, ceramics, 

paintings, furniture, folk art, prints, carpets 

and textiles, silver, Staffordshire, and more. 

Benefits Surrey Services for Seniors. Admission. 

Dixon Center, Cabrini College, 610 King 

of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA. 610-647-6404, 

ext. 111; www.mainlineantiquesshow.com. 

52ND ANNUAL DELAWARE 

ANTIQUES SHOW 

November 6-8: The country’s most distinguished 

dealers present the finest offerings of 

American antiques and decorative arts, including 

furniture, paintings, rugs, ceramics, silver, 

jewelry, and more. Admission. Chase Center 

on the Riverfront, Wilmington, DE. 

800-448-3883; www.winterthur.org. 

2015 ANNUAL ANTIQUES SHOW 

November 14-15: The Bucks County Antiques 

Dealers Association presents their 68th annual 

show. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 

and Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Admission. Eagle Fire Hall, Route 202 and 

Sugan Road, New Hope, PA. 215-290-3140; 

www.bcadapa.org. 

FALL ANTIQUES AUCTION 

November 20-21: Antiques Roadshow Expert 

Noel Barrett announces this annual fall auction 

of vintage toys, trains, advertising, 

carousel animals, dollhouses, miniatures, and 

more. Eagle Fire Hall, Route 202 and Sugan 


Top left, International Car Show in Skippack, PA, October 18th; Top right, Hope Lodge, November 7-8, Whitemarsh Encampment 

Reenactment. bottom left, Montgomery Theater, bottom right, Valley Forge National Historical Park. 

Road, New Hope, PA. 215-297-5109; 

www.noelbarrett.com. 

ANTIQUES AT KIMBERTON 

November 21-22: This show features antiques 

and collectibles for sale by over 60 dealers 

from several states. Admission. Free parking. 

Kimberton Fire Company and Fairgrounds, 

2276 Kimberton Road, Phoenixville, PA. 

www.antiquesatkimberton.vpweb.com. 

ART 

PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART 

Through February: Cy Twombly: Sculptures 

Through December 6: The Wrath of the 

Gods: Masterpieces by Rubens, Michelangelo, 

and Titian 

Through Mid-November: Inside Out 

Through November 15: Take Two: Contemporary 

Photographs 

Through October 25: Into Dust: Traces of the 

Fragile in Contemporary Art 

Through October 4: Northern Lights: 

Scandinavian Design 

Through September 28: Shelley Spector: 

Keep the Home Fires Burning 

October 27-January 10: Audubon to Warhol: 

The Art of American Still Life 

2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 

Philadelphia, PA. 215-763-8100; 

www.philamuseum.org. 

BRANDYWINE RIVER MUSEUM 

Through January 31: Natural Selections: 

Andrew Wyeth Plant Studies 

Through November 22: Studio Tours 

Through November 15: Gradients 

Through November 15: Things Beyond Resemblance: 

James Welling Photographs 

Through November 6: Rural Modernism 

Through October 11: Imagine Brandywine 

U.S. Route 1, Chadds Ford, PA. 

ANTIQUES 14 

ART 15 

CRAFTS 17 

ENTERTAINMENT 17 

EQUESTRIAN 19 

EVENTS 19 

FAMILY 20 

GARDEN 20 

HISTORY 21 

NATURE 22 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 15

610-388-2700; www.brandywinemuseum.org. 

WHARTON ESHERICK MUSEUM 

Through December: Childrens’ Tours 

September 15-December 31: Annual Woodworkers 

Competition: Vases 

September 26; October 11: Wine & Cheese 

Tours 

October 11: Second Sunday 

1520 Horseshoe Trail, Malvern, PA. 610-644- 

5822; www.whartonesherickmuseum.org. 

PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF 

THE FINE ARTS 

Through November 1: Rock, Paper, Scissors: 

Drawn from the JoAnn Gonzalez Hickey 

Collection 

Through October 11: feast famine 

Through October 11: Traction Company 

September 16-November 29: James Toogood: 

Watercolors 

October 9-January 3: Mia Rosenthal: Paper 

Lens 

November 11-April 9: World War I and 

American Art 

November 13-April 3: Procession: The Art of 

Norman Lewis 

118-128 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA. 

215-972-7600; www.pafa.org. 

WOODMERE ART MUSEUM 

Through November 1: Raymond Theel: Making 

a Big Impression 

Through October 18: Woodmere Welcomes 

Pope Francis: Biblical Art from the Permanent 

Collection 

September 26-January 24: We Speak: Black 

Artists in Philadelphia, 1920s-1970s 

November 7-March 14: The Weight of Watercolor: 

The Art of Eileen Goodman 

9201 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 

215-247-0476; 

www.woodmereartmuseum.org. 

BERMAN MUSEUM OF ART 

September 11-December 23: Aftermath: Photographs 

by Joel Meyerowitz 

September 29-December 23: Tyger, Tyger: 

Lynn Chadwick and the Art of Now 

Ursinus College, 601 East Main Street, Collegeville, 

PA. 610-409-3500; www.ursinus.edu. 

ABINGTON ART CENTER 

September 11-October 31: Solo Series 

Fall 2015 

November 6-28: Young Artists Exhibition 

December 12-January 30: Annual Juried Show 

515 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown, PA. 

215-887-4882; www.abingtonartcenter.org. 

MAIN LINE ART CENTER 

September 12-November 4: Panorama 2015 

September 25: The Art Market 2015 

November 2-December 3: Terri Fridkin 

November 12-22: Handcrafted Holidays: 

Pop-Up Shop 

December 5-January 4: Members Exhibition 

2015 

December 9-January 7: Elaine Lisle 

746 Panmure Road, Haverford, PA. 610-525- 

0272; www.mainlineart.org. 

WAYNE ART CENTER 

September 13-October 17: Faculty Show 

October 18-November 21: Assemblage Artists 

Collective Exhibition 

October 25-November 21: Fall Members 

Exhibition 

December 4-January 30: CraftForms 2015 

413 Maplewood Avenue, Wayne, PA. 

610-688-3553; www.wayneart.org. 

THE BARNES FOUNDATION 

September 19-January 4: Ellen Harvey: Metal 

Painting 

September 19-January 4: Strength and Splendor: 

Wrought Iron from the Musee Le Secq 

des Tournelles 

2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, 

PA, 215-278-7000; 300 North Latch’s 

Lane, Merion, PA, 215-278-7350. 

www.barnesfoundation.org. 

CHELTENHAM CENTER FOR 

THE ARTS 

September 20-October 17: Chelthenham 

Township: A Photographic Celebration 

439 Ashbourne Road, Cheltenham, PA. 

215-379-4660; www.cheltenhamarts.org. 

BRYN MAWR REHAB HOSPITAL 

November 7-January 31: 20th Annual Art 

Ability Exhibition and Sale 

414 Paoli Pike, Malvern, PA. 484-596-5607; 

www.mainlinehealth.org. 


CRAFTS 

THE GREATER PHILADELPHIA 

EXPO CENTER 

September 17-20: Pennsylvania National 

Quilt Extravaganza 

November 6-8: Sugarloaf Craft Festival 

100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA. 484-754- 

EXPO; www.phillyexpocenter.com. 

BYERS’ CHOICE 

September 20-27: Expanded Nativity Exhibit 

October 17-18: Design Your Own Witch 

November 1-December 31: Byers’ Choice 

Christmas Experience 

December 11: Gerald Dickens 

4355 County Line Road, Chalfont, PA, 

215-822-6700; www.byerschoice.com. 

PENNSYLVANIA GUILD OF FINE 

CRAFTSMEN FAIRS 

October 9-11: Philadelphia, PA 

November 14-15: Lancaster, PA 

Admission. 717-431-8706; www.pacrafts.org. 

66TH ANNUAL JURIED HOLIDAY 

FINE ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL 

October 31; November 1: The Reading-Berks 

Guild of Craftsmen present this annual craft 

event featuring vendors, as well as live entertainment 

and antique appraisals. Admission. 

Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA. 

www.rbcrafts.org. 

FALL 2015 FINE ART AND 

CRAFT SHOW 

November 3-11: Over 95 of the area’s top artisans 

display and sell an assortment of fine art 

and crafts. Admission. Aldie Mansion, 85 Old 

Dublin Pike, Doylestown, PA. 610-869-4444; 

www.lydiasguild.com. 

39TH ANNUAL PHILADELPHIA 

MUSEUM OF ART 

Contemporary Craft Show 

November 12-15: This annual art event is for 

the benefit of the Philadelphia Museum of 

Art. Funds raised are used to purchase works 

of art and craft for the permanent collections, 

to fund conservation and publication projects, 

and support exhibitions and education programs. 

Admission. Pennsylvania Convention 

Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA. 

215-684-7930; www.pmacraftshow.org. 

ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFT MARKET 

November 21: The North Penn International 

Friendship Committee hosts this 29th annual 

holiday show. Over 95 artists from the Mid-Atlantic 

region are featured, including traditional 

and contemporary crafts. North Penn High 

School, 1340 South Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, 

PA. www.northpennifc.org. 

ENTERTAINMENT 

ACT II PLAYHOUSE 

Through October 4: According to Goldman 

October 27-November 22: The Fox on the 

Fairway 

December 8-27: Behind the Music: Holiday 

Tunes 

56 East Butler Avenue, Ambler, PA. 

215-654-0200; www.act2.org. 

DUTCH COUNTRY PLAYERS 

Through September 19: Rumors 

October 2-4: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow 

November 6-21: Witness for the Prosecution 

December 4-13: The Christmas Gazebo 

795 Ridge Road, Telford, PA. 215-234-0966; 

www.dcptheatre.com. 

MONTGOMERY THEATER 

September 10-October 4: God of Carnage 

October 16-25: Little Red 

November 19-December 13: The Great 

American Trailer Park Christmas Musical 

124 Main Street, Souderton, PA. 215-723- 

9984; www.montgomerytheater.org. 

PLAYCRAFTERS OF SKIPPACK 

September 17-October 3: Scotland Road 

October 30-November 14: The Rocky 

Horror Show 

November 19-29: Love Happens 

December 4-12: Berlin to Broadway with 

Kurt Weill 

2011 Store Road, Skippack, PA. 

610-584-4005; www.playcrafters.org. 

KESWICK THEATRE 

September 17: Jackie Evancho 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 17

September 22: Cheap Trick 

October 3: Oh What a Night of Doo-Wop & 

Rock N Roll 

October 28: Loreena McKennitt 

November 6-7: The Hooters 

291 North Keswick Avenue, Glenside, PA. 

215-572-7650; www.keswicktheatre.com. 

THE COLONIAL THEATRE 

September 20: Fall Theatre Organ Concert 

October 8: Brett Dennen 

October 23: Wendy Liebman and Dan 

Naturman 

November 7: Al Stewart 

November 21: Paul Reiser 

227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA. 

610-917-1228; www.thecolonialtheatre.com. 

THE STAGECRAFTERS THEATER 

September 24-October 11: Mauritius 

November 27-December 13: Of Mice and 

Men 

February 5-21: The Late Christopher Bean 

8130 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 

215-247-8881; www.thestagecrafters.org. 

STEEL RIVER PLAYHOUSE 

September 25-October 4: Jacques Brel is Alive 

and Well…and Living in Paris 

October 16-25: Vanya and Sonia and Masha 

and Spike 

November 14-15: Mrs. Coney: A Tale at 

Christmas 

November 21-22: Senior Follies 

December 4-20: White Christmas 

245 East High Street, Pottstown, PA. 

610-970-1199; www.steelriver.org. 

THE VILLAGE PLAYERS OF 

HATBORO 

October 2-17: No Sex Please, We’re British 

January 8-23: Vanya and Sonia and Masha 

and Spike 

401 Jefferson Avenue, Hatboro, PA. 

215-675-6774; www.thevillageplayers.com. 

FAMILY STAGES 

October 17: The Jungle Book 

November 11, 14: Snow White 

December 9, 12, 26: Cinderella 

Ambler Theater, 108 East Butler Avenue, Ambler, 

PA. 215-886-9341; www.familystages.org. 

PENNSYLVANIA BALLET 

October 22-25: Speed and Precision 

December 11-31: George Balanchine’s The 

Nutcracker 

The Academy of Music, 240 South Broad 

Street, Philadelphia, PA. 215-893-1999; 

www.paballet.org. 

TOWER THEATER 

October 30: Ringo Starr and His All Starr 

Band 

December 4: Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian 

Nutcracker 

South 69th Street, Upper Darby, PA. 215-922- 

1011; venue.thetowerphilly.com. 

MITCHELL PERFORMING 

ARTS CENTER 

October 31: Bryn Athyn College Dance 

November 7: Why We Sing 

November 13: ANCSS Performing Arts Night 

December 4-6: The Santaland Diaries 

800 Tomlinson Road, Bryn Athyn, PA. 

267-502-2793; www.mitchellcenter.info. 

METHACTON COMMUNITY 

THEATER 

November 6-16: Fall Show 

Shannondell Performing Arts Theater, 10000 

Shannondell Boulevard, Audubon, PA. 

610-489-6449; 

www.methactoncommunitytheater.org. 

THEATRE HORIZON 

November 12-December 6: Black Nativity 

February 18-March 13: Lobby Hero 

401 Dekalb Street, Norristown, PA. 

610-283-2230; www.theatrehorizon.org. 

THE CHORISTERS 

November 21: Vespers by Kile Smith 

April 30: Haydn, Beethoven, and Mozart 

Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale, PA. 

215-542-7871; www.thechoristers.org. 

WOLF PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 

December 5: Disney’s Winnie the Pooh Kids 

December 12-13: James and the Giant Peach 

December 10-12: Little Women: Meg, Jo, 

Beth, and Amy 

Church of the Holy Apostles, 1020 Reming- 

FINALLY, A SOLUTION TO REGAIN 

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ton Road, Wynnewood, PA. 610-642-0233; 

www.wolfperformingartscenter.org. 

EQUESTRIAN 

LIBERTY PRO RODEO 

September 17-20: Get your tickets for the 27th 

annual championship professional rodeo. It is 

sponsored by the Lu Lu Shriners. There will 

be live entertainment, along with saddle bronc 

and bull riding and barrel racing. Thurs.-Sat. 

gates open 6 p.m. with showtime at 7:30 p.m. 

Sunday gates open 12:30 p.m. with show at 2 

p.m. On Sunday you can see the 4-H 

Mounted Drill Team perform at 1:30 p.m. Admission. 

5140 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, 

PA. 800-898-LULU; 

www.libertyprorodeo.com. 

DRESSAGE AT DEVON HORSE SHOW 

September 29-October 4: This annual horse 

show features more than 700 horses competing 

for 35,000 spectators. 2015 marks the 40th 

anniversary of the event. This year you can 

see the Lipizzan Stallions perform October 2- 

4 during show breaks. Along with equestrian 

competition, attendees can enjoy the festival 

shops, offering apparel, fine arts, antiques, collectibles, 

and food. The Kids Corral provides 

activities for children, and exhibitions are 

geared towards family fun. Admission. Devon 

Horse Show Grounds, 23 Dorset Road, 

Devon, PA. 610-358-1919; 

www.dressageatdevon.org. 

RYERSS FARM FOR AGED EQUINES 

October 4: Blessing of the Animals at Ryerss 

Farm 

December 6: Ryerss Holiday Open House 

1710 Ridge Road, Pottstown, PA. 

610-469-0533; www.ryerssfarm.org. 

EVENTS 

KESWICK VILLAGE 

Ongoing: First Fridays 

October 10: Fall Festival 2015 

Glenside, PA. www.keswickvillage.org. 

AMBLER MAIN STREET 

Through November 16: Philadelphia Museum 

of Art’s Inside Out Exhibit in Ambler 

October 3: Oktoberfest 

Ambler, PA. 215-646-1000; 

www.amblermainstreet.org. 

BOROUGH OF POTTSTOWN 

September 19: Annual Pet Fair 

October 4: Pottstown Brew Fest at 

Manatawny Park 

Pottstown, PA. www.pottstown.org. 

EVENTS IN LANSDALE 

September 19: Lansdale Cruise Night 

November 21: Mardi Gras Parade 

Main Street, Lansdale, PA. www.lansdale.org. 

JENKINTOWN FESTIVAL 

OF THE ARTS 

September 20: This annual event takes up five 

blocks of Jenkintown. There is a juried art 

show, vendors, a food court, live musical performances, 

a Kid’s Court, and a beer tent. 1 to 

6 p.m. Rain or shine. Downtown Jenkintown, 

PA. www.jenkintownboro.com. 

FUN IN SKIPPACK 

September 26: Skippack Food Truck Festival 

October 3-4: Skippack Days 

October 10: Winetober Fest 

October 17: Children’s Halloween Parade 

October 18: International Car Show 

November 27: Annual Christmas Tree 

Lighting 

November 27-December 23: Illuminaire 

Nights in Skippack 

Skippack, PA. www.iloveskippack.com. 

KING OF PRUSSIA BEERFEST 

October 1, 3: This annual festival is held outdoors 

under grand tents. There will be over 50 

craft and international brewers, 100-plus 

beers, live music, and an outdoor beer garden. 

You can sample fare from local restaurants. 

Admission. King of Prussia Mall, 160 North 

Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA. 

www.kopbeerfest.com. 

NORTH WALES COMMUNITY DAY 

October 3: Bring the family for a day of fun in 

the Borough of North Wales. There will be 

vendors, a talent show, pie eating contest, a 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 19

Kids Zone, and a free live concert. www.northwalesborough.org. 

20TH ANNUAL FALL FEST 2015 

October 17: This fall festival features Touch-a- 

Truck, a car show, arts & crafts, refreshments, 

and activities for the kids. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Parkside Place Complex, Upper Gwynedd 

Township, PA. www.uppergwynedd.org. 

FAMILY 

PLEASE TOUCH MUSEUM 

Ongoing: Visit the Children’s Museum of 

Philadelphia, where the key word is play. Families 

can enjoy over a dozen themed exhibits, 

theater, art, music, special programs, the 

carousel, and storytime and character 

appearances. Admission. 4231 Avenue of the 

Republic, Philadelphia, PA. 215-581-3181; 

www.pleasetouchmuseum.org. 

THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE 

Through January 3: Genghis Khan 

Through October 4: The Art of the Brick 

September 19-February 15: Vatican Splendors 

222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA. 

215-448-1200; www2.fi.edu. 

THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCI- 

ENCES OF DREXEL UNIVERSITY 

Through October 23: The Clergy and the 

Academy’s Collections 

September 30-January 10: Reptiles: The 

Beautiful and the Deadly 

October 17-18: Philadelphia Shell Show and 

Festival 

November 27-29: Dinosaur Days 

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, 

PA. 215-299-1000; www.ansp.org. 

STRASBURG RAILROAD 

Through September 20; November 20-22: 

Day Out with Thomas 

October 11: Vintage Baseball Day 

October 24: The Great Train Robbery 

November 27-December 18: The Night Before 

Christmas Train 

November 27-December 19: Santa’s Paradise 

Express 

December 5: Christmas Tree Train 

301 Gap Road, Ronks, PA. 866-725-9666; 

www.strasburgrailroad.com. 

COLEBROOKDALE RAILROAD 

September-December: Ride the rails of the 

historic Colebrookdale Railroad. They feature 

a series of train rides, including a foliage train, 

bonfire train, paranormal train, and bluegrass 

train. For Christmas they feature a Santa 

Claus train, and ’Twas The Night Before 

Christmas train. 101 East 3rd Street, Boyertown, 

PA. 610-367-0200; 

www.colebrookdalerailroad.com. 

ELMWOOD PARK ZOO 

September 12: Oktoberfest Beer Tasting 

Festival 

September 20-November 1: Harvest Fest 

October 4: Annual Run Wild 

November 1: Free Zoo Admission 

December 5-20: Brunch with Santa 

1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, PA. 

800-652-4143; www.elmwoodparkzoo.org. 

MERRYMEAD FARM 

September 25: Storytelling & Lighting of the 

Great Pumpkin 

October 3-25: Fall Harvest Day Weekends 

2015 

October 10: Worcester Fire Department, 

Smokey the Bear, and Sparkey the Fire Dog 

2222 South Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA. 

610-584-4410; www.merrymead.com. 

SESAME PLACE 

September 26-November 1: The Count’s Halloween 

Spooktacular 

November 21-December 31: A Very Furry 

Christmas 

100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA. 

866-GO-4-ELMO; www.sesameplace.com. 

NORTHERN STAR FARM 

Late September-October: Fall Fest Weekends 

Winter: Custom sleigh rides 

96 Third Avenue East, Trappe, PA. 215-859- 

7302; www.northernstarfarm.net. 

GARDENS 

BARTRAM’S GARDEN 

Ongoing: Visit this National Historic Land- 

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For an appointment call: 

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mark and House, circa 1728. The grounds are 

free and open to the public. Guided tours are 

available of both the historic garden, as well as 

the Bartram family home. Don’t miss The 

Bartram Nursery, complete with native plants 

and those discovered by the Bartram family. 

54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard, 

Philadelphia, PA. 215-729-5281; 

www.bartramsgarden.org. 

JENKINS ARBORETUM & GARDENS 

January 8-February 7: The 2016 Quilt Display 

of Nature’s Prisms 

631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA. 610- 

647-8870; www.jenkinsarboretum.org. 

WINTERTHUR 

September 12-December 12: Second Saturdays 

Garden Walks 

September 16-October 28: Wednesdays at 

Winterthur 

September 18-December 13: Garden Workshops 

and Talks 

November 21-January 3: Yuletide at Winterthur 

5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE. 

302-888-4600; www.winterthur.org. 

PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL 

SOCIETY 

September 18-20: Harvest Fest 

October 10: Celebrate October at Meadowbrook 

Farm 

October 16: Perennial Plant Conference 

October 16: PHeaSt: A Celebration of Chefs 

and Growers 

December 9: Holiday Tours at Brandywine, 

Winterthur, Longwood Gardens 

Advance registration required. 100 North 20th 

Street, Fifth Floor, Philadelphia, PA. 

215-988-8800; www.phsonline.org. 

TYLER ARBORETUM 

September 24: Oktoberfest Tyler Style Beer 

Tasting 

October 17-18: Pumpkin Days Celebration 

December 5: The Country Gardeners Annual 

Greens Sale 

December 5: Woodland Winter Wonderland 

Admission. 515 Painter Road, Media, PA. 

610-566-9134; www.tylerarboretum.org. 

THE SCOTT ARBORETUM OF 

SWARTHMORE COLLEGE 

October 11: Mid-Atlantic Peony Society Fall 

Event 

October 16: Perennial Plant Conference 

October 18: Scott Associates Fall Celebration 

December 3-4: Green Wreath Workshops 

December 5: Holiday Greens Sale 

Admission. 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, 

PA. 610-328-8025; 

www.scottarboretum.org. 

HISTORY 

HOPE LODGE 

Ongoing: Guided tours 

November 7-8: 1777 Whitemarsh Encampment 

Reenactment 

553 South Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, 

PA. 215-646-1595; www.ushistory.org. 

NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER 

Through Fall 2017: Constituting Liberty: 

From The Declaration to The Bill of Rights 

525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA. 

215-409-6600; www.constitutioncenter.org. 

BATTLESHIP NEW JERSEY 

Through December 31: Daily tours 

September 28: Battleship New Jersey Golf 

Tournament at Pennsauken Country Club 

Admission. 62 Battleship Place, Camden 

Waterfront, Camden, NJ. 866-877-6262; 

www.battleshipnewjersey.org. 

MENNONITE HERITAGE CENTER 

Through November 7: Pennsylvania Dutch 

Dioramas of Abner & Aaron Zook 

Through October: Forty Years of Collecting, 

Preserving, and Sharing 

October 3: Annual Apple Butter Frolic 

November 28-April 16: Calligraphy and Bookbinding: 

Twentieth Century Artists: Fritz and 

Trudi Eberhardt 

565 Yoder Road, Harleysville, PA. 

215-256-3020; www.mhep.org. 

MORGAN LOG HOUSE 

September 18: Annual Tavern Night 

October 30: Halloween Mayhem 

December 12-14: Candlelight Tours 

850 Weikel Road, Kulpsville, PA. 215-368- 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 21

Fall back in love 

with your garden. 

We 

bring you timely how-to advice and tips to help keep 

your garden thriving ... all year long. Watch the delightful, 

and informative, Garden Minute with new shows posted 

weekly. 

Watch it at TheIntell.com/GardenMinute. A subscription 

to The Intelligence 

er includes access to all of our video 

shows on The Intelligencer channel on Roku or 

Amazon Fire TV. 

PRESENTED BY 

A Calkins Media video production 

POTTSGROVE MANOR 

September 19: Open Hearth Cooking 

Demonstration: Time for Tea 

October 24: The Plantation Whereon I Live 

November 14: Open Hearth Cooking 

Demonstration: Cooking Up Quince 

November 27-January 10: Twelfth Night 

Tours 

December 13: Pottsgrove Manor by Candlelight 

100 West King Street, Pottstown, PA. 610- 

326-4014; www.montcopa.org/pottsgrove 

manor. 

SCHWENKFELDER LIBRARY & 

HERITAGE CENTER 

September 24; October 29; November 19; 

December 17: American Girl Tea Time 

September 27; October 25; November 22; 

December 13: Children’s Book Club 

105 Seminary Street, Pennsburg, PA. 

215-679-3103; www.schwenkfelder.com. 

VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL HISTOR- 

ICAL PARK 

September 26: National Public Lands Day 

November 11: Veterans Day Commemoration 

December 19: March In of the Continental 

Army 

January 2: Join the Continental Army 

1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, 

PA. 610-783-1000; www.valleyforge.org. 

2480; www.morganloghouse.org. 

FALL FESTIVAL AND OPEN HOUSE 

September 19: The Historical Society of Hilltown 

Township presents this annual event. You 

can tour the homestead, see local artisans, buy 

baked goods, even get antique appraisals. 10 

a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain or shine. Free admission. 

Hartzel-Strassburger Homestead, 407 Keystone 

Drive and Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville, 

PA. 267-614-9174; www.hilltown.org. 

GRAEME PARK 

September 19: Paranormal Investigation 

September 23: Home School Day 

October 25: Mini Moonlight 

October 30: Moonlight Tales 

22 M O N T C O M A G . C O M 

Watch new episodes Friday 

TheIntell.com/GardenMinute 

November 28: A Soldier’s Christmas 

Admission. 859 County Line Road, Horsham, 

PA. 215-343-0965; www.graemepark.org. 

PENNYPACKER MILLS 

September 19: The Craft Place at Pennypacker 

Mills 

September 27: Victorian Tea with P.T. Barnum 

October 17: All Hallow’s Eve Fall Festival 

November 24-January 10: Holiday Tours 

December 12: Victorian Christmas Open 

House 

5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, PA. 

610-287-9349; 

www.montcopa.org/pennypackermills. 

DANIEL BOONE HOMESTEAD 

October 17: Heritage Day 

October 23-24: Haunted Homestead Tours 

October 25: Halloween at the Homestead 

November 1: Boone Birthday 

November 8, 15: Fall Lecture Series 

December 6: A Homestead Christmas 

December 11: Here Comes Santa Claus 

400 Daniel Boone Road, Birdsboro, PA. 610- 

582-4900; www.danielboonehomestead.org. 

PETER WENTZ FARMSTEAD 

SOCIETY 

December 5: Candlelight Tours 

Shearer Road, Worcester, PA. 610-584-5104; 

www.peterwentzfarmsteadsociety.org. 

THE HIGHLANDS MANSION AND 

GARDENS 

December 8: Lunch with Santa 

Admission. 7001 Sheaff Lane, Fort Washington, 

PA. 215-641-2687; 

www.highlandshistorical.org. 

NATURE 

SCHUYLKILL CENTER FOR ENVI- 

RONMENTAL EDUCATION 

Ongoing: Day-Off Camps 

September 19: University of Nature 

September 26: Fall Birdseed Sale 

September 26: Native Plant Sale 

October 10: Jubilee in the Grove 

October 24: Bird Walk with BirdPhilly 

October 24: Halloween Hikes & Hayrides 

November 7: Walking the River Trail: Nature

& History by the Schuylkill River 

November 14: Journal Making & Leaf Imprinting 

8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA. 

215-482-7300; www.schuylkillcenter.org. 

JOHN JAMES AUDUBON CENTER AT 

MILL GROVE 

Through December 19: Saturday Bird Walks 

Through September 17: Canoe the Perkiomen 

December 6: Holiday Open House at Mill 

Grove 

1201 Pawlings Road, Audubon, PA. 610-666- 

5593; www.johnjames.audubon.org. 

LOWER PERKIOMEN VALLEY PARK 

September 16: Tree Walk Series 

October 21: Photograph Walk Series 

November 28: Holiday Crafts 

101 New Mill Road, Oaks, PA. 610-666-5371; 

www.montcopa.org. 

HAWK MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY 

September 19-20: Fall Native Plant Sale 

November 14: Golden Eagle Saturday 

November 28: Holiday Open House 

1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton, PA. 

610-756-6961; www.hawkmountain.org. 

GREEN LANE PARK 

September 19: Tree ID and More 

September 26: Annual Upper Perkiomen Bird 

& Wildlife Festival 

October 3: Early Bird Walk 

October 10: Flight of the Falcon 

October 17: Leave it to Beaver 

October 24: Fall Foliage Hike 

October 25: Harvest Moon Hayride 

November 7: Orienteering for Beginners 

November 14: Holiday Crafts Double Feature 

November 21: More Holiday Crafts 

November 28; December 5: Waterfowl Watch 

2144 Snyder Road, Green Lane, PA. 

215-234-4528; www.montcopa.org. 

LOCK 60 AT SCHUYLKILL 

CANAL PARK 

September 20: Geology Walk 

October 18: Bark in the Park 

December 12: Holiday Luminaria 

400 Tow Path Road, Mont Clare, PA. 610- 

917-0021; www.schuylkillriver.org. 

NORRISTOWN FARM PARK 

September 23: Chipmunks and Squirrels 

September 27: Native American Day 

October 11: Habitat Restoration 

October 25: Twilight Hike 

October 27: Spooky Crafts 

November 1: Jars of Autumn Color 

November 8: Whitetails and White Oaks 

November 11: Winter’s Sleep 

November 15: Japanese Fish Printing 

November 22: Thanksgiving Centerpieces 

November 23: Wild About Turkeys 

November 29: Holiday Wreaths 

December 6: Owl Prowl 

December 10: Reindeer Guide for Kids 

December 13: Natural Ornaments 

2500 Upper Farm Road, East Norriton, PA. 

610-270-0215; www.montcopa.org. 

UPPER SCHUYLKILL VALLEY PARK 

September 25: My How You’ve Changed My 

Deer! 

October 23: A Howling Good Time 

October 24: By the Light of the Moon 

November 20: Terrific Turkeys 

1600 Black Rock Road, Royersford, PA. 610- 

948-5170; www.schuylkillriver.org. 

RIVERBEND ENVIRONMENTAL 

EDUCATION CENTER 

September 27: Play is Natural 

October 17: Shiverfest 

October 24: Owls, Bats, and Toads: Spooky or 

Not? 

November 7: Wilderness Survival 

December 12: Full Moon Night Hike and 

Campfire 

1950 Spring Mill Road, Gladwyne, PA. 610- 

527-5234; www.riverbendeec.org. 

BRIAR BUSH NATURE CENTER 

October 25: AutumnFest. Wear a costume for 

this annual fall festival and have some fun. It is 

free and takes place from 1-4 p.m. 

1212 Edgehill Road, Abington, PA. 

215-887-6603; www.briarbush.org. 

To have your event featured in this magazine 

or online email Calendar Editor 

marybeth_schwartz@yahoo.com. Visit www.montco 

mag.com for a complete listing of events and our latest 

information. 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 23

Art 

Rich 

Godshall 

Vivid Impressionist images 

make Rich Godshall an 

interesting landscape artist 

–by Bob Waite 

IIN “EARLY FLIGHT” THE WHITE BIRDS FLOCKED 

together heading from a marsh area toward the bright orange 

trees contrasted with shades of blue on the bottom 

as water, a blue sky and bluish purple hills behind the 

trees. This brings home a feeling that fall itself is fleeing 

and winter’s cold is on its way, just behind the hills. Of 

course, Rich Godshall is a landscape painter and his landscapes 

are simply the areas close to his home studio in 

Willow Grove and his gallery, Off the Wall Gallery & 

Framing, in Skippack. Paintings of basically plain areas 

in Montgomery and Bucks County are brought to life 

and present vivid images that can be construed by the 

viewer in many ways as each layer of color brings up 

various feelings that change over time as the painting 


ecomes familiar. 

“I like to consider myself a Pennsylvania 

Impressionist,” Rich says as I look 

around Off The Wall 

Gallery, seeing not 

only his paintings, but 

also others by various 

local artists. Continuing 

to define himself, 

he says, “I am probably 

influenced by the 

Bucks County Impressionists 

painters of the 

New Hope School— 

painters like Redfield, 

Garber, Schofield.” 

Some of his paintings 

were more realistic 

and experimental. One 

was particularly interesting. 

It was a realistic 

painting of a pier in 

Ocean City, but the 

lines of pier and strong 

perspective made the 

lines look like an abstraction. 

I find out that Rich 

is in an oil phase. “I 

began using watercolors. 

For the longest 

time I painted with 

them. They are very unforgiving 

and are more 

difficult to use. You 

have to mark out your 

white areas and I found that I was adding 

more and more opaque. Then I began to 

paint with acrylics. And I liked the freedom 

I found with them and painted with 

them for a few years. Then two years ago I 

started painting with oils. Oil paint has 

more body to it. I like it better.” 

Rich always loved to draw. “When I 

was a kid liked drawing airplanes and 

ships. In high school I took all the art 

classes I could. And when I graduated I 

went to art school.” 

Rich attended the Hussian School of 

Art in Philadelphia. There he majored 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 25

The First Thing We 

Build is Trust 

ROLF SCHROEDER 

GENERAL CONTRACTORS 

Award Winning 

Kitchen & Bath Specialists 

www.rolfschroedergc.com 

215-672-0829 PA#3699 

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in graphic arts. After graduating he 

worked in the field. “I began with freelancing 

and then worked in studios.” He 

eventually became an art director. A lot 

of his work was illustration and he 

painted commercially in those days. “I 

got out of graphics when it went to the 

computer.” It was a turning point, either 

Rich would have to invest lots of time 

learning the new technology or he could 

do something else. 

That something else was going into 

a partnership with someone and opening 

a framing shop. The framing shop 

did well. Eventually the partner wanted 

out, so Rich bought her out. “It was all 

framing then.” 

Rich says, “I always wanted a gallery, 

so when I got full control of the shop I 

began to get some artists. At first I 

thought this would be good because it 

was a way to show off the framing, but 

as time went on it became a major part 

of the business.” 

The art gallery, at first, had mainly 

paintings by Rich and one or two other 

artists. Gradually he began to attract 

other artists and started having shows. 

He now has 16 artists represented by Off 

The Wall. 

Rich’s subjects are all ordinary 

scenes, mainly landscapes. One painting 

that unlike most has a figure shows a girl 

building a sandcastle. It is his daughter. 

But generally Rich leaves figure painting 

to others. His landscapes show the 

beauty of the region and make ordinary 

landscapes special by using layers of 

color that evoke thought and emotion in 

the viewer. It is a treat to go to Off The 

Wall and see Rich’s work. 

Paintings by Rich Godshall can be 

seen at Off The Wall Gallery & Framing, 

located at 4059 Skippack Pike, Skippack, 

PA. For more information about 

framing and shows, call 610-222-2289 or 

visit www.godshallfineart.com. 

Bob Waite is the editor of MONTCO Homes, Gardens 

& Lifestyle. 

Hand Crafted • Prefnished • 18th Century Style • Solid Hardwoods 


People 

J 

John Ruth is a seasoned scholar, 

professor, author, historian, professor, 

photographer and Mennonite 

minister –by Margo Amamian Ragan 

John 

Landis Ruth 

JOHN LANDIS RUTH MAY BE AN OCTOGENARIAN, 

but apparently no one has told him that the autumn of 

his years is a time to slow down. John has managed to include 

within the chapters of his life being a scholar, author, 

documentarian, professor, historian, photographer, Mennonite 

minister, and recognized leader in his community. 

Of all the things he’s done, John is clear about what 

he enjoyed most. He said, “It's a matter of what have I 

most valued. It's a toss-up between being a minister and 

an historian.” 

At the age of 20 John was cast by lot into the position 

of minister for his Mennonite Church. "This was a traditional 

method by the Church for selecting a minister," John 

explained. "When one accepted the tenets of the faith, he 

also accepted the responsibility of being a minister." 

John meant to study history when he enrolled in East- 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 27

ern College; however, at the time, there was 

only one history professor. “Literature professors 

recognized my abilities with writing 

and encouraged me to major in Literature 

and later to go to Harvard for a PhD in English 

and American Literature,” he said. “I returned 

to Eastern as a professor.” 

Despite the demands of an academic 

life, John authored numerous books and 

articles on the Mennonite/Amish way of 

life, and participated in the production of 

many documentaries on the same subject. 

His knowledge and understanding of the 

Amish was a factor in a publisher's decision 

to call on him when "The Happening" 

occurred. 

October 2, 2006—the day when the 

world stood still in an Amish community 

located in Lancaster County. “The 

Happening”, as some call that day, was 

when one man held ten girls hostage in 

the West Nickel Mines School, killing 

five, grievously wounding the others, before 

killing himself. What followed was 

a miraculous act of forgiveness by the 

grief-stricken Amish, which resonated 

throughout the civilized world. They 

stood as one to bring the family of the 

murderer into their fold, demonstrating 

forgiveness to them. 

“My book Forgiveness: A Legacy of the 

West Nickel Mines Amish School is one of 

many which articulated how forgiveness 

could transcend tragedy,” John said. “The 

book cover of the second edition is a 

replica of a photograph of mine.” 

Symbolically, the cover features five 

dresses hanging out to dry on a clothesline, 

and below them is a field of purple flowers 

swaying peacefully in the breeze. The photograph 

captures a patterned repetitiveness 

which John believes served his purpose in 

trying to explain the Amish. 

“They lead an orderly, regulated life,” 

he said. “They give over their will to Jesus 

in the act of submission. Their daily 

prayers express the concept that if I expect 

to be forgiven for my transgressions, I 

must forgive also. The Amish do not ask 

why did this happen to us, but rather, why 

not us? They understand that bad things 


happen because of people's selfishness, 

and they do not expect to be spared.” 

Photography is an important component 

of John's efforts to record history. 

“My father was a farmer who was always 

curious about the stars and the land 

where generations of my family had 

lived,” John said. “In 1941 when I was 11 

years old, my father bought a camera, 

took pictures which gave the rest of us a 

visual access to where our roots were. 

That tipped me off to the importance of 

photography.” 

In fact, when John wrote Branch: A 

Memoir with Pictures in 2013, he coupled 

his photography with text as he told his 

life's story. “I live in the visual and the verbal,” 

he said. “My consciousness is the 

nexus between the two.” 

John sees history as a way to understand 

the present. He cited a letter written 

by William Penn to his secretary in 

Philadelphia, recommending that he welcome 

the Mennonites with tenderness 

and love, as they were emigrating here. 

John wondered why this same compassion 

is not shown to others who are seeking 

sanctuary here and abroad. 

John's latest project reflects his energy 

and intellectual curiosity. He is in the 

process of writing three books, with the 

first one partially completed. “I am asking 

myself a series of questions, a consequence 

of living in an era of fundamental change, 

which in and of itself propels change,” he 

explained. “Years from now, if our history 

is not recorded, people will not know that 

this land was once home to farmers, and 

before them, the Lenape Indians. Seismic 

changes are happening, and I am trying to 

help understand them.” 

John Ruth is regarded by many in the 

community with much respect and appreciation, 

which this very humble man 

seems uncomfortable in accepting. “They 

are overgenerous in their sentiments,” 

John said. “I have much evidence of my 

ordinariness. I recognize and pray about 

it every night.” 

Margo Ragan is a freelance writer and lecturer at 

Holy Family College who lives in New Hope, PA. 

Offering 

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FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1982 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 29

In the Garden 

Queen of 

Fall Flowers 

Simple steps that can ensure a 

bright bloom this fall and help 

your mums survive the winter 

–by Lori Pelkowski 

CCHRYSANTHEMUMS, THE QUEEN OF THE 

Fall Flowers, were first grown in China in the15th century 

B.C. When they made their way to Japan in the 8th century 

A.D., the Japanese adopted the flower as the crest 

and official seal of the Emperor. The Imperial Order of 

the Chrysanthemum is the highest order of chivalry, and 

the Japanese celebrate National Chrysanthemum Day— 

the Festival of Happiness. 

A sharp contrast to the love and honor the chrysanthemum 

enjoys in Asia is the way it is used in European 

countries. There, the chrysanthemum is known as the 

“death flower”, and is used almost exclusively at funerals 

and on graves. 

Here in Pennsylvania, and across the country, mums 


are the most commercially grown flowers. 

Vast, colorful displays of mums line the 

shelves of nurseries, garden centers, and 

home improvement warehouses in fall. 

Mums are easy to cultivate, come in a variety 

of colors, and bloom on schedule. 

Flower arrangers and gardeners prize 

them for cut flower arrangements. Their 

beauty can last for weeks. 

With nearly a dozen flower forms to 

choose from, you can grow mums that 

look like pastel daisies, or fluffy quilled 

zinnias, or refined dahlias, or maybe the 

large, fancy ones with incurving petals 

called "football" mums. The chrysanthemum 

palette includes every color but 

blue, and the holding time for blossoms, 

even in a vase, is measured in weeks 

rather than days. Mums are the perfect 

perennials to let into your beds. 

The most popular flower form is "decorative", 

dahlia-like blossoms so packed 

with long, broad petals that you can 

hardly see their center eyes, even when 

the flowers are completely open. One of 

the advantages of the decorative flower 

form is that the many layers of petals 

make the flowers last a long, long time. 

As the petals on the back of the blossom 

fade, new ones from the center give the 

flower a freshly opened appearance. 

Chrysanthemums will reward you with 

beauty year round. They aren’t picky about 

exposure, soil or water conditions, but do 

prefer full sun, well-drained soil, and moderate 

water. Insect and disease problems 

are rare. Mums provide fresh spring foliage, 

attractive summer shapes, fall flowers, and 

winter interest to the garden. 

Mums bloom in fall because the 

shortening days (and lengthening nights) 

of late summer trigger flowering. Some 

react more quickly than others; these are 

the early bloomers. Midseason and late 

bloomers respond more slowly to changes 

in day length. Here's a guide to bloom 

times for choosing the perfect combination 

of mums: very early, September 8; 

early, September 17; midseason, September 

24; late, October 5; early season excontinued 

on page 79 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 31

Come to Skippack Village this fall 

Skippack is quintessential small town America. It all 

began in 1706 when Gerhardt and Hermanus Indenhofen 

purchased 440 acres of land from Mathias 

Van Bebber. This property eventually was divided and 

sold off over the next 100 years becoming the Village of 

Skippack. Located in the heart of Montgomery Count it 

offers great shopping and dining with First Fridays, Skippack 

Days, classic car shows, music, theater, historic 

buildings and fine art. Many of the buildings were built 

before the Revolutionary War and date back to the 

early’s 1700’s. You can enjoy strolling down the street 

and visiting the various shops who are independent owners. 

Below are upcoming events while visiting Skippack, 

PA. You can visit www.bestofskippack.com and www.skip 

pack.org for more information. 

FUN IN SKIPPACK 

September 26: Skippack Food Truck Festival 

October 3-4: Skippack Days 

October 10: Winetober Fest 

October 17: Children’s Halloween Parade 

October 18: International Car Show 

November 27: Annual Christmas Tree 

Lighting 

November 27-December 23: Illuminaire Nights 

in Skippack 

Skippack, PA. www.iloveskippack.com. 

Courtesy Visit Philly Courtesy Valley Forge Tourism 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 33


Come to Skippack Village this fall

Your one-stop shop for remodeling 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 35

Sloan Six 

Pippin 


Seed 

to 

Plate 

Sloan Six’s philosophy about the food she grows and 

raises at Quarry Hill Farm and serves at the Mainland 

Inn is that food is a living thing and shouldn’t travel 

very much before it is eaten 

BY DIANA CERCONE 

Photograpy: Glenn Race 

SHE’S BEEN AFFECTIONATELY CALLED “HYPER-LOCAL.” 

But Sloane Six, farmer and owner of Quarry Hill Farm in 

Harleysville, as well as owner of the historic Mainland Inn less than 

two miles away, isn’t offended. I suspect, deep down, she may even 

treasure the description as a badge of honor. And well she should. 

Not only did she save one of Montgomery County’s historic farms 

from a developer’s bulldozer, but she also turned the 110-acre commercial 

farm into an organic paradise. (Just ask her about the multitude 

of grasshoppers she now has and the return of songbirds—two 

major signs of the farm’s healthy soil and ecosystem.) 

This she tells me as we sit in Quarry Hill Farm’s market and her 

sociable dog Pippin, an Irish Border Collie, makes herself comfortable 

by my side. Though Quarry Hill is a CSA, Sloane says, the market 

is open to the public. Just follow the market signs when you turn 

into the farm’s driveway. More than likely you’ll also be guided to it 

by her free roaming, pastured chickens and ducks like I was. 

Tucked inside a large barn, the market is where you’ll find the 

organic produce and fruit Sloane grows most of which are heirloom 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 37


varieties. In refrigerated cases are her pastured 

eggs and the more delicate veggies. Depending 

on the season, you’ll find whole and 

specialty cuts of meat from her pasture-raised 

chickens, Guinea hens, ducks and turkeys as 

well as rabbit, lamb, goat and pork in the 

freezers. Many are from the heritage breeds 

she raises. 

The market also offers farm-made bone 

broth and fermented sauerkraut and honey 

from the farm’s beehives. All are known to 

have health benefits. 

“Food is a living thing,” Sloane says. 

“The longer it sits on a truck, at a distribution 

center or on a grocery shelf, the more 

it degrades. Even if it’s traveling from Oregon 

and is organic, it looses its enzyme levels 

and nutritional benefits. There’s a 

whole host of reasons why you want to go 

local. I don’t think our food was meant to 

travel the world.” 

It’s one of the reasons why Sloane introduced 

heirloom vegetables and 

heritage breeds on her organic farm. 

They’re the original locals. And like 

everything she grows and raises, they haven’t 

been altered by GMOs and are chemical, 

growth hormone and antibiotic free. 

When talking about heirloom vegetables 

and heritage breeds, Sloane turns passionate. 

“They make sustainable agriculture possible,” 

she says. Heirlooms and heritage breeds create 

a biodiversity, not a monoculture like corporate 

farming. If our food supply is to exist, 

she says, we need biodiversity. We can no 

longer rely on just one type of crop or breed 

for our food supply. Agricultural biodiversity, 

she says, is vital to our food supply because it 

no longer makes us vulnerable. As an example, 

Sloane points to the recent outbreak of 

avian flu among the nation’s big factory 

farms that raise the same breed of laying 

chickens. At Quarry Hill Farm Sloane has no 

such problem. 

Besides, she says, “Heirloom vegetables 

and heritage breeds taste better. With heirlooms 

and heritage breeds, we’re expanding 

people’s palates. There’s so much more than 

just one variety of a vegetable.” 

Each variety brings its own nutritional arsenal, 

she adds, not to mention the array of 

Opposite top, Skylar picking peaches in the orchard. Opposite bottom 

left, a Heritage Red Bourbon turkey crosses the farm’s driveway, looking 

for her chicks.Opposite bottom right, an Americana rooster, one of 

Sloane’s many pasture-raised heritage poultry breeds.Above, Sloane and 

her son, Skylar, gathering eggs from her pasture-raised chickens. 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 39


Above, an array of seasonal organic fruit and vegetables 

in Quarry Hill Farm’s market. Left, as 

part of the farm’s educational program, Chef 

Ellen Fiorito, a member of Sloane’s farm team 

(who also makes the market’s bone broth and 

jams), shows a CSA member how to cook the 

items in her weekly pickup box.Opposite left, jars 

of the Mainland’s canned and pickled vegetables 

used in many of Chef Brett’s dishes throughout the 

year accent the dining room’s engaging decor. Opposite 

right, jars of Raw Wildflower Honey in the 

farm’s market from Quarry Hill Farm’s beehives.

colors, shapes and taste. It’s the same with 

heritage breeds. “We’re bringing back farming 

the way it was done in the ’20s. 

“Our one hundred percent grass-fed 

sheep graze on a virtual salad of thirteen different 

plants such as clover, legumes and 

grasses,” she says. “We add Himalayan salt 

and trace minerals to their diet and grow our 

own hay. Sheep aren’t supposed to eat grain. 

Fostering their health fosters our own.” 

Continuing Sloane says, “We process 

our poultry and rabbits on the farm. So the 

chickens offered today were just processed 

yesterday morning.” Eggs are gathered daily; 

the date handwritten on the box. 

Though Sloane would like to process her 

goats, pigs and lamb on the farm, she cannot 

because of federal regulations. So she does 

the next best thing. She uses a family owned 

slaughterhouse in Quakertown 20 minutes 

away. The owners know her and allow Sloane 

to take them at night and in their own group 

to keep the stress level to a minimum. Not 

only is this a more humane and respectful 

treatment of the animals than those raised 

on factory farms and processed at warehouse 

slaughterhouses (Both have long histories of 

abusive treatment), but also less stress translates 

to tastier meat. 

Just then a couple from Creamery enters 

the market. They tell Sloane that their daughter 

has been urging them to eat more healthily. 

They heard about Quarry Hill, they say, 

and came “strictly on a fact-finding visit.” 

While answering their questions on 

the merits of pastured eggs, Sloane opens 

a bin of freshly picked string beans that are 

long and violet speckled. “Never saw a 

string bean like that,” says the woman, 

“and we have a garden.” 

“These are heirloom Dragon Tongue 

beans,” says Sloane. “Try one.” Tentatively 

they each take one, biting into the crisp, juicy 

bean. The smiles on their faces say it all. 

“We’ll take some,” says the woman. Before 

they leave they also buy eggs, heirloom Black 

Beauty cherry tomatoes and blackberries. (So 

much for their “strict fact-finding.”) 

At the door the man steps back in and 

asks Sloane when she’s taking turkey orders 

for Thanksgiving. (She starts right 

after Labor Day.) 

Had you asked Sloane what she wanted 

to be when growing up, she would have told 

you that being a farmer was never even considered. 

Her successful career as an entrepreneur 

and business woman in major U.S. 

cities bears that out. But in 2007 she was diagnosed 

with stage three breast cancer. By 

that time she had been living in Montgomery 

County for 10 years and had bought Quarry 

Hill Farm just a few months prior her diagnosis. 

Reading books on health and nutrition, 

Sloane made the connection between what 

she ate with the effects on her health. The 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 41

Above, the Mainland Inn, which was originally 

constructed in the 1700s, sits on 

eight acres of land and features refined, 

modern dining rooms while keeping its historic 

charm. Opposite, Brett Romberg, the 

Mainland Inn’s executive chef. 

first to go from her diet was processed foods. 

More research, including Sally Fallon’s book 

Nourishing Traditions, convinced her to give up 

commercially produced foods all together 

and go totally organic. 

That’s also when she took over the farm, 

allowing it to sit fallow for three years. During 

that time she rebuilt the infrastructure, put 

in an orchard and rotational pastures, and 

nurtured the farm’s soil into one that’s organic 

and nutrient-rich. 

Finishing his chores for the morning and 

joining us is her son Skylar, 12. He’s just as 

passionate, engaging and knowledgeable as 

his mom. His business card reads “Skylar 

Clemens, Farmer.” And so he is—even has 

his own team of draft horses that he uses to 

work the farm. 

With a promise from his mom of bringing 

back lunch from the Mainland Inn, Skylar 

takes charge of the market. Before leaving 

for the restaurant, I ask Skylar what some of 

his menu favorites are. 

Sloane bought the Mainland Inn on St. 

Patrick’s Day in 2013. Before that it had been 

closed for five years and was in dire need of 

a complete redo, both structurally and cosmetically. 

Renovations completed, the Mainland 

reopened this past January. 

To call the Mainland Inn a farm to table 

restaurant is to do it an injustice. It’s so much 

more than just using local foods. It’s a joyful 

culinary celebration of the seasons. 

Working in tandem with Sloane is Executive 

Chef Brett Romberg, who creates his 

menu around what Quarry Hill Farm will be 

picking and processing. For example he asks 

Sloane when he can expect her ducks so he 

can plan how best to feature them on his 

menu. Already, he says, he has some exciting 

ideas. 

The freshness of the Mainland’s vegetables 

and herbs range from being picked just 

a few hours ago at the farm to minutes from 


F A L L 2 0 1 5 43

the Inn’s own organic vegetable and herb garden. 

Many of the vegetables like chickpeas, 

beets, red cabbage and carrots are pickled as 

relishes to use in dishes throughout the year. 

Before sitting down for lunch, Sloane 

takes me on a quick tour, pointing out major 

renovations. Though she has kept the old 

inn’s antique pieces and majestic breakfront, 

gone are the formal white tablecloths and 

dinnerware in the main dining room. Instead 

are polished wooden tables set with 

white linen napkins and dishes by Black 

Sheep Pottery from Skippack. Oriental rugs 

grace the original wooden floor. 

Don’t miss the exquisite botanical paintings 

of Quarry Hill’s fruits and vegetables by 

local artist Linda Kneeland adorning walls. 

Wherever she can, Sloane says, she uses local 

artists and artisans. Even the Mainland’s 

wine and beer list reflects her commitment 

to both local and organically produced. 

(Sloane’s not called hyper-local for nothing.) 

New is the open kitchen with its own 

dining room complete with a table for seating 

up to 12 as well as a counter for four to enjoy 

the Chef’s Tasting Menu. Look also for more 

Wine Tasting Dinners to be added. 

While keeping its coziness, the tavern 

downstairs also received a facelift—and not 

just cosmetically. With its own mixologist on 

board, you can expect in-house crafted cocktails, 

an updated bar menu to pair with your 

drink, and cocktail and wine tasting nights. 

Another new addition is the gracious outdoor 

dining patio, leading both from the tavern 

and driveway. 

The restaurant sits on an idyllic eightacres. 

Along with its vegetable and flower gardens, 

sheep will soon be grazing on the 

property. And this fall the Mainland’s Commissary 

will open, offering prepared foods for 

continued on page 66 


Opposite left top, in the Mainland’s inviting dining room, Sloane kept the old inn’s antiques and majestic breakfront but replaced 

the formal white tablecloths and dinnerware with polished wooden tables set with white linen napkins and dishes by Black Sheep 

Pottery, creating a casual and sophisticated ambience. Oriental rugs grace the original wooden floors. Opposite inset, two of the 

photos of Quarry Hill Farm leading from the Mainland Inn’s entrance to the cozy Tavern downstairs. Top left, Lamb Bolognese 

with housemade Tagliatelle Pasta. Top middle, housemade Potato Gnocchi served with smoked squash, kale, poached egg and miso 

emulsion and garnished with fresh chives. Top right, lamb burger is served on a freshly made in-house pita bun and dressed with 

curry mayonnaise, Kalamata olives, pickled red onion and arugula. Bottom, summer Vegetable Salad dressed in vinaigrette. 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 45

In this project by Dear Garden Associates, leading 

off the side of the main terrace, a path leads 

to a smaller irregular flagstone terrace with a 

fireplace, built-in wall seats, and long open 

views across the gardens. 


Photography: Rob Cardillo

Today’s 

Outdoor Living 

Environments 

The old ideas of a patio, grill and few pieces of furniture has 

been replaced with environments that offer features like fire 

pits, outdoor lighting, permeable paving, and rain gardens 

BY MARY BETH SCHWARTZ 

HOMEOWNERS NO LONGER WANT THE STANDARD PATIO AND 

gas grill area in their backyard. Today’s outdoor living environment provides 

the perfect oasis and is a long-time investment. For 2015, the American Society 

of Landscape Architects (ASLA) finds that the top ten project types with the 

highest consumer demand include native plantings, fire pits and fireplaces, 

outdoor lighting, permeable paving, efficient irrigation, and rain gardens. 

Spa features rank over swimming pools, and pergolas are the most popular 

outdoor structure. Sustainability and low-maintenance now are commonplace 

in design. We asked four of the region’s top landscape architecture 

firms to share some of their outdoor living environments. Be sure to take 

notes on your favorite features for your backyard haven. 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 47

Dear Garden Associates 

Photography: Rob Cardillo 

Above, this rear garden and terrace space were designed by 

Dear Garden Associates to expand the interior living space. 

From inside of the house, one looked over the new terrace and 

through the new plantings to the open backyard. . 


Clients are putting more thought into their outdoor 

living rooms. Outdoor areas now include detailed 

gardens, flagstone patios, stone walls for additional 

seating, even a flat screen television,” says Principal 

Bill Dear of Dear Garden Associates, Inc. 

Dear Garden Associates, Inc. is a Bucks County firm offering 

distinctive design, maintenance, and installations. In business for 

11 years, the company has clients in Eastern Pennsylvania, Central 

New Jersey, the Lehigh Valley, the Main Line, and Manhattan. 

According to Principal Bill Dear, their core values are 

reliability, accessibility, and sustainability. In addition, their team 

has expertise in irrigation, construction, masonry, garden design, 

horticulture, lighting, and landscape architecture. 

Bill Dear described four Bucks County outdoor environments 

designed and built by the company. For an estate, they 

worked on various gardens of interest, including a parking court, 

a lush side garden, and meadows. “The parking court was defined 

by perimeter hedges of hawthorns and boxwoods. The stonework 

included sandstone cobble fields with granite bands and curbs, 

which were recycled from old Philadelphia streets. Stepping up 

from the parking to the front door, a garden terrace provided a 

buffer from the house to the parking. To the side of the house, a 

stepping stone path meandered through a perennial garden that 

provided a series of blooms throughout the seasons. From the 

rear of the home, one had a long view over a curving landscape 

with meadow plantings that weaved through the fields. Keeping 

with the feel of the property, the vegetable garden was made with 

more antique stone material and had an espalier apple tree for 

fencing.” On a second property, a rear terrace and garden were 

designed to extend the interior living space. “From inside of the 

house, one looked over the new terrace and through the new 

plantings to the open backyard. The patterned flagstone gave a 

clean look to the terrace, while the curved outer edges blended 

the space into the surrounding gardens. This terrace was dry set 

with tight joints, which prevented weed growth and removed the 

maintenance that is associated with mortared joints. A stone wall 

provided extra seating for the terrace and screening for the adjacent 

hot tub.” Dear Garden Associates, Inc. currently is working 

on two other outdoor living environments. The first property features 

a flagstone terrace with parterre gardens, and a secondary 

terrace with a water element and fireplace. The second property 

features rear terraces with a fire pit and water feature, along with 

a new front entrance. 

Dear Garden Associates, Inc. can be found on Facebook, as 

well as www.houzz.com, where you can find many of their outdoor 

living spaces. Their address is 6746 Old Easton Road in 

Pipersville, PA. You can visit their Website at 

www.deargarden.com. To reach them by phone, call 215-766-8110 

in Pennsylvania, and 609-919-0050 in New Jersey. 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 49

Top, GL Designs took down the small deck that was there to make way for a custom outdoor living space that wraps around the house. The outdoor 

living room included a main dining area, intimate private space, and dedicated cooking gallery. Bottom, a custom automated gate provided the perfect 

compliment in both style and scale for this Tudor. Opposite, a custom designed portico, brick landing, walkway, and colorful plantings. 


GL Designs 

Since 1979, GL Designs, formerly Gary’s Landscape & Design, 

has created thousands of projects for clients from Philadelphia 

to The Hamptons. They have a design service and install 

decks, masonry, and landscapes. In addition, the firm offers minor 

home exterior renovations, a shutter color service, and maintenance. 

They are problem solvers in both the aesthetic and the functional. 

Since they have their own perennial company, they incorporate a lot 

of perennials into jobs with the goal being over time that you will 

have lower maintenance and more seasons of bloom and interest. 

Designer Andrea Steinberg spoke of several projects designed and 

installed by GL Designs. A meticulously restored Queen Anne in 

Fort Washington was the first. “This home sat on what was essentially 

a vacant lot. The new lattice was critical in creating a foundation for 

the house and anchoring it to the site. Victorian style plantings and 

perennial gardens created a vacation oasis in this suburban neighborhood.” 

Another project was in Ambler. “A custom designed portico, 

brick landing, walkway, and colorful plantings added to the front 

entry of this residence. The rear patio was refurbished with a paved 

outdoor cooking area, water feature, and plantings, bringing functionality 

and panache to the backyard.” In Lower Gwynedd, Steinberg 

redesigned a patio space. “A large patio with poor traffic flow was 

transformed into a charming and functional outdoor entertaining 

space. The design included a built-in cooking area, sitting wall, copper 

arbor, custom flower containers, and accent lighting.” In New Hope, 

a small deck was demolished for something grander. “We took down 

the small deck to make way for a custom outdoor living space that 

wraps around the back of the house, connecting doorways and offering 

multiple exits to the yard. This outdoor room included a main 

dining area, intimate private space, and dedicated cooking gallery. 

The new view into the yard was simply breathtaking.” 

GL Designs has their portfolio showcased on www.gldesigns.net. 

They also can be found on Facebook. Their address is 1122 East 

Welsh Road in Ambler, PA. You can email them at: 

sales@gldesigns.net. The company phone number is 215-628-4070. 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 51

McMan Nursery and Landscaping 

In business since 1985, McMan Nursery and Landscaping, 

Inc. designs and builds outdoor rooms for residential clients 

in Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, and Chester counties, as 

well as Chestnut Hill. They have their own nursery with an inventory 

of quality shrubs and trees. Their list of services includes lighting, 

pools, erosion control & drainage, and custom gardens. 

McMan Nursery and Landscaping, Inc. is certified by EP Henry, as 

well as the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI). Their 

staff can design and install patios, outdoor kitchen stations, fire pits 

& fireplaces, retaining & seating walls, decks, walkways, pergolas, 

and arbors, to name a few. 

According to Landscape Architect Jennifer Humphrey, one design 

project in Schwenksville is of mention. It was located in a quiet 

suburban neighborhood that combined secluded tranquility with 

the allure of shopping in nearby Skippack Village. “We let out 

clients determine through our designs what they wanted in their 

dream landscape. We started out with a design, and through a 

process of careful listening and creative collaboration with the 

client, ended up with a final design that was much different from 

the one we started with.” McMan Nursery and Landscaping, Inc. 

created an outdoor room that enhanced the beauty and livability 

of the home. “The most unique feature of the design was a combination 

fireplace and grill station, a design trend that is prominent 

in California right now. As far as we know, this was the first such 

combination in the area.” The project also included a roof structure 

over the elevated patio, and incorporated speakers, a television, ceiling 

fans, and lighting. “Our clients love their new outdoor room 

and can enjoy it with family or friends day or night, almost the entire 

year long.” 

You can visit McMan Nursery and Landscaping, Inc. online at 

www.mcmannurserylandscaping.com. There is an online gallery of 

their projects, including landscapes, pools, hardscapes, fireplaces, 

and outdoor kitchens. The company is located at 958 Harleysville 

Pike in Harleysville, PA. You can email them at: mcmanlandscaping@verizon.net. 

Their phone number is 610-584-1970. 

Above, a combination fireplace and grill station. The project, by McMan Nursery and Landscaping, also included 

a roof structure over the elevated patio, and incorporated speakers, a television, ceiling fans, and lighting. 


F A L L 2 0 1 5 00

Plymouth Nursery & Landscape Co. 

Above, Plymouth Nursery & Landscape Project has EP Henry Coventry walkway and wall; a stockade fence 

with an arbor with arched gate; new gardens; LED lighting. Opposite, an outdoor fireplace with a patio. 


With roots back to the 1940s, Plymouth Nursery 

& Landscape Company is a turnkey 

company for all of your landscaping projects. 

Their residential client base is Southeastern Pennsylvania, 

and includes the counties of Montgomery, Delaware, 

Bucks, and Chester, along with the Main Line. They have 

a 10-acre nursery with a selection of plant materials. Plymouth 

Nursery & Landscape Company offers such services 

as fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, ponds & waterfalls, 

decks, lighting, fencing, and masonry. 

“The outdoor living space and all that it encompasses 

is popular. In California, where this trend originated, 

homeowners have beautiful outdoor grilling stations, 

along with a fire pit, a water feature, lighting. Structures 

have gotten very big—pergolas, arbors, pavilions. People 

also are bringing their electronics and sounds outside,” 

says President John DiJiosia. 

For a client in Garnet Valley, the company created an 

outdoor living environment. The planting areas surrounding 

the swimming pool were in need of renovation. The 

existing deck and swimming pool did not have a connecting 

walkway. Lastly, the client wanted an outdoor fireplace 

with a patio. “The project involved new plantings and lowvoltage 

LED lighting throughout the backyard and swimming 

pool. We implemented a new Cambridge walkway, 

patio, fireplace, and seating walls.” 

Another landscaping project in Chestnut Hill involved 

a series of challenges. For one, the space was small. 

Also, the customer had two large dogs that required their 

own space without causing damage to the new gardens. 

“We installed a new walkway and wall from the driveway 

to the front door. We removed and replaced the existing 

fence and gates. We created a more inviting and identifiable 

entrance to the front yard. Last but not least, we installed 

new gardens and lighting.” The end result was a 

new EP Henry Coventry walkway and wall; a stockade 

fence with an arbor with arched gate; new gardens; LED 

lighting; and new sodded yard to give the dogs some area. 

You can see Plymouth Nursery & Landscape Company’s 

residential gallery at www.plymouthnursery.com. 

The company also is on Facebook. Their address is 1043 

Belvoir Road in Plymouth Meeting, PA. You can schedule 

a consultation by calling 610-277-4120. Their email address 

is: plymouth@plymouthnursery.com. 

Mary Beth Schwartz is a freelance writer who frequently contributes 

to regional publications. 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 55

Cooking inStyle 

Three dream kitchens by three area designers who have designed 

kichens in the area that are keeping up with newer trends 

By Mary Beth Schwartz 

Every year the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) presents their Top 10 Kitchen 

Trends in the Kitchen & Bath Style Report. It is a report read by kitchen designers and homeowners 

alike. For 2015, the NKBA found that kitchens will increasingly feature European 

styled cabinetry, wine refrigerators, steam ovens, furniture look pieces, islands and tall gathering 

tables, and a sister kitchen outside. Many kitchens now focus on the user experience, 

from easy maintenance to accessible design. There has to be room for technology, the office, 

a flat screen television, even pets. Cooking hobbyists and wellness enthusiasts are choosing 

appliances based on their lifestyles. If there are multiple cooks and cleanup crews in the 

kitchen, there are multiple appliances to accommodate them. The leading style is transitional, 

with contemporary a close second. We asked three area kitchen designers to showcase their 

custom kitchens. May these projects in Chestnut Hill, Wayne, and Harleysville inspire you 

to build your own dream kitchen. 


Wayne Renovation: Gardner/Fox Associates designed this kitchen renovation with Adelphi Kitchens’ frameless birch Ridgewood cabinets 

topped with Carrara marble and wide oak hardwood floors. The center island is contrasted with the cabnetry by having a dark 

wood butcher block top. Wide oak hardwood floors were chosen in keeping with the home’s historic character. 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 57

Photos: Mike Irby Photography 

Harleysville Redesign: The island is designed for entertaining. It features a 

bar sink with a garbage disposal. The cabinets are cherry semi-custom with 

a raised panel. The countertops are natural granite. Appliances are upscale 

and include a 48-inch gas range, dishwasher, and microwave covection oven. 

There is a custom range hood to match the cabinetry. And behind the 

range is a custom mural. The flooring is bamboo. Beyond the kitchen, 

Gehman Design Remodeling did other work, including a family room where 

they built cabinetry on both sides of the fireplace. 

Wayne Renovation 

Since 1987, Gardner/Fox Associates, 

Inc. has been designing and building additions 

and home renovations for clients 

throughout Philadelphia and the Main Line. 

Their staff includes 40 designers, project 

managers, and craftsmen who specialize in 

custom home improvements. The firm is 

dedicated to design & craftsmanship, business 

innovation, and customer service. 

A Wayne couple came to the company 

to bring their dated and cramped eat-in 

kitchen to modern times. The kitchen was 

situated in a historic French Tower House, 

which once served as a dormitory for the 

Valley Forge Military Academy. Originally 

built in 1921, the home featured architecturally 

designed archways and curved walls, 

stained glass windows, and gardens. 

According to Mark Fox of Gardner/Fox 

Associates, Inc., there were some issues with 

the dated kitchen. Before the renovation, the 

bulk of the kitchen’s cabinetry ran along a 

wall that separated the kitchen from the dining 

area. In addition, an awkward bay window 


detracted from the charm of the home’s original architecture. The existing 

finishes included a bright yellow floor, sink, and an unattractive 

pendant light. 

“The renovation plan was apparent. We have to remove the wall 

separating the kitchen and dining area along with the bay window 

bump out to square off the kitchen and create an open floor plan between 

the kitchen and dining room. A large central island would increase 

counter space, while classic and timeless white cabinetry and 

countertops would upgrade the kitchen’s appearance. All new fixtures 

and appliances would boost its function and efficiency.” 

To updated the look of the Wayne kitchen, Gardner/Fox Associates, 

Inc. started with Adelphi Kitchens’ frameless birch Ridgewood 

cabinets topped with Carrara marble. They continued with 

the white and gray streaked marble for the backsplash with a classic 

subway tile. For the island, designers contrasted the white Ridgewood 

cabinetry with a dark wood butcher block top. Wide oak 

plank hardwood floors were selected in keeping with the home’s 

historic character. An integrated Sub-Zero refrigerator and professional 

grade appliances prep for entertaining. 

Gardner/Fox Associates, Inc. is located at 919 Glenbrook Avenue 

in Bryn Mawr, PA. You can visit them on Facebook or at 

www.gardnerfox.com. The website has an extensive gallery of custom 

designed kitchens. You can schedule a consultation with the 

firm by calling 610-525-8305. 

Harleysville Redesign 

For 25 years, Gehman Design Remodeling has been designing 

and building for clients in Southeastern Pennsylvania. All of their 

projects are completed by their own employees. Their services include 

whole house remodels, additions, structural changes, and kitchens. 

And the award-winning company features their own showroom. 

President Dennis Gehman designed a kitchen in Harleysville 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 59

Chestnut Hill Upgrade: Traditional painted cabinets are a warm light tan with hand-distressing and glazing on a raised panel door. 

Using the same door style, Pierson & Son Kitchens put it on one of the dishwashers which disappears into the adjacent cabnetry. 


that garnered two 2015 National Association of the Remodeling Industry 

(NARI) awards. This five-month project started as a kitchen 

project and gradually evolved into the first floor of the house, as well 

as the exterior patio, of a traditional two-story Colonial. “The clients 

wanted us to open up the walls and have a more open living space. 

The kitchen design was traditional in terms of decor. In terms of layout 

and use, it leans towards contemporary because of the 11-footlong 

island,” Gehman says. 

The kitchen had a series of details in its design. The island was desired 

for entertaining. It featured a bar sink with a garbage disposal and 

cabinetry. The cabinets were cherry semi-custom with a raised panel. 

There were natural granite countertops. The family wanted professional 

upscale appliances, including a 48-inch gas range, dishwasher, and microwave 

convection oven. There was a custom range hood to match the 

cabinetry. Behind the range was a custom mural piece. The backsplash 

was constructed with tumbled travertine. The flooring was bamboo. For 

the lighting, recessed and under cabinet LED lighting was chosen. 

Gehman Design Remodeling did some more remodeling beyond 

the kitchen. Over in the family room, Gehman Design Remodeling 

added some built-in cabinetry around the fireplace, which was converted 

to gas. Over in the living room, a bay window bump out was 

added to accommodate an eight-foot-tall Christmas tree. With the window 

project, it was discovered that the former patio had to be rebuilt 

due to water damage. The foyer was redone. A walk-in pantry was created 

with organizing shelves and pullout wicker baskets. The bamboo 

flooring was continued throughout the first floor up to the second 

floor, with a new wrought iron railing. Over all of the arches in the 

kitchen, dining room, living room, foyer, etc., custom arched millwork 

was created. 

For more information you can visit www.gehmanremodeling.com 

to see the online kitchen gallery. Gehman Design Remodeling also is 

on Facebook. The company is located at 355 Main Street in 

Harleysville, PA. You can call them at 215-513-0300. You can send an 

email to: dennis@gehmanre modeling.com. 

Chestnut Hill Upgrade 

A family-run business since 1950, Pierson & Son Kitchens, Inc. 

offers homeowners of Montgomery County and the surrounding region 

expert kitchen and bath design. Located in the Philadelphia suburb 

of Erdenheim, they are known for their cabinetry lines 

Wood-Mode and Brookhaven. Designer Kristen Calvanese revealed 

a kitchen in Chestnut Hill that included Brookhaven semi-custom 

cabinetry. 

This kitchen was located in a nearly century-old home, which presented 

challenges in itself. According to Calvanese, kitchens built back 

then were often the less desirable rooms in the back of the house, with 

an odd footprint and lack of storage. The kitchen was in the shape of an 

“L,” which made for an interesting layout. Space planning became the 

first priority. The homeowners wanted a large pantry, a large desk to work 

from home, and two dishwashers. They entertain frequently and needed 

the dishwashers, but did not want to see both of them. For the initial 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 61

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planning, the desk and pantry wall were designated 

in the returning “L” portion of the 

kitchen so that Calvanese could focus on keeping 

the main function of the kitchen closer together. 

Originally there was a long island, but 

a banquet space was found to be the best solution. 

“That part was easy, but then we had 

to rework the lost storage from the island back 

into the main working kitchen space. There 

was an awkward window in the space that we 

decided to close up. Once we determined the 

general layout, we needed to fine tune the details.” 

This Chestnut Hill kitchen project had 

other unique details to address. There was 

a lower section in the ceiling that could not 

be altered. Pierson & Son Kitchens, Inc. 

chose to install glass doors in the cabinetry 

under it. Your eye would be drawn to the 

items in the cabinetry, not the drop in the 

ceiling. The homeowners wanted a traditional 

painted cabinet with a warmer color 

in keeping with the Tudor styling of the 

home. “A light tan with hand distressing 

and glazing on a raised panel door style did 

just that. We took the same door style and 

put it on one of the dishwashers. It disappeared 

into the adjacent cabinetry.” 

The scope of this project went beyond 

the kitchen space. Pierson & Son Kitchens, 

Inc. were able to implement additional storage 

elsewhere for the family. Built-ins were 

added to the living room, along with a builtin 

coat closet and seasonal storage in a hallway 

off of the foyer. “The living room 

built-ins used framed cabinetry with an inset 

door style to make it appear as if they were in 

place when the home was first built. Keeping 

with the same idea, we used a dark cabinet 

for the coat closet to match the original dark 

stained trim and exposed ceiling beams that 

give the foyer its charm and elegance.” 

You can see an online portfolio of Pierson’s 

projects at www.piersonkitchens.com. 

Pierson & Son Kitchens, Inc. is located at 

821 Bethlehem Pike in Erdenheim, PA. 

Their phone number is 215-233-0503. You 

can email them at: piersonkit@verizon.net. 

Mary Beth Schwartz is a freelance writer who frequently 

contributes to regional publications.

SENIOR LIFESTYLES 

Life expectancy is on the increase and many people 

are living into their 90s and beyond. This 

means that planning for aging is of vital importance 

for everyone. People remain healthy as when 

they they have day to day social intercourse, eat well 

and get plenty of exercise. This is why the whole 

range of senior living from independent living in 

apartments to assisted living, nursing care, memory 

care and hospice are things that we need to think 

about. 

Our Senior Lifestyles section presents a variety of 

living situations for seniors from apartments to total 

care, where people can be safe, live according to their 

abilities and have a sense of community. 

Aging can be done purposefully and with dignity 

in the Bucks County area. Living situations are now 

staffed with professionals who offer rehabilitation, 

recreation and medical care. Diet and lifestyle can 

make a difference, so it can never be too early to 

think about these things for ourselves and those we 

love. Aging does not have to be something to dread, 

but can be another step in our development. 

SUNROOMS AVAILABLE ON SELECT APARTMENTS 

More Time – More Friends – More Choices 

Setting Standards of Excellence in Retirement Living Since 1967 

A t Foulkeways at Gwynedd, community members look forward to 

exploring new horizons and re-establishing past interests and hobbies. 

There’s always something close at hand to inspire both mind AND body! 

So, what are you doing with the second half of YOUR life? 

For more information about life at Foulkeways Continuing Care 

Retirement Community, call Marketing Counselor, Kimberly McCloskey, 

at 215-283-7339 today. 

Guided by Time-Honored 

Quaker Values 

1120 Meetinghouse Road, Gwynedd, PA 19436 

www.foulkeways.org 

Foulkeways ® at Gwynedd does not discriminate on the basis of race, 

color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap or sexual orientation. 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 63


 

 

 

 

 

Activity. 

Friendship. 

Support. Convenience. Value. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supportive 

Assisted Care 

Comprehensive 

Memory Care 

On-Site 

Rehabilitation 

Total Wellness. 

Maximum Well-Being. 

Wlo Welcome Center No 

ow Open! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Living Directory 

Bridges at Warwick, 1600 Almshouse Rd., Jamison, PA 18929 

215-395-9976; www.thebridgesatwarwick.com 

At The Bridges at Warwick, every day is a celebration of seniors. 

Living here provides residents with a sense of purpose and contentment. 

Days are filled with fun and friendship with a focus on 

total well-being. Our brand new community, located in the heart of 

Warwick Township, offers a unique alternative to traditional assisted 

living and memory care. Our supportive, personalized lifestyle 

boosts residents' self-esteem by helping them stay as independent 

as possible for as long as possible, no matter what their current 

abilities may be. 

Christ’s Home, 1 Sheppards’ Way, Suite 100, Warminster, PA 

18974 

215-956-2270; www.christshome.org 

Christ’s Home is one of the few organizations in the country to 

offer an array of life-enhancing services to both older adults and 

children. Our legacy of caring and compassion is interwoven into 

all of our dynamic programs and services. We are committed to 

quality programming and services that exceed community standards 

while providing exceptional value.The heart of Christ’s 

Home is to serve the Lord by providing services to senior adults 

and disadvantaged children in an atmosphere graced with love, dignity, 

compassion and respect. 



Retirement 

Community 

Lakeview 

The Garden 

Health Center 

Where Each 

Generation 

Makes Its Own 

History. 

Classic 

continuing care retirement living moves 

into the next generation at Pine Run with the 

very real benefit of four decades of experience. 

A member of Doylestown Health, Pine Run offers 

independent living cottages, personal care suites, 

secure memory care, and a 5-star rehabilitation center. 

777 Ferry Road, Doylestown, PA 18901 

800.992.8992 • pinerun.org 

Foulkeways at Gwynedd, 1120 Meetinghouse Road, 

Gwynedd, PA 19436; 

215-643-2200/7575; www.foulkeways.org 

Guided by Quaker values, Foulkeways has been setting standards 

of excellence in retirement living since 1967. Whether 

your plans include a cozy studio, mid-sized apartment or 

spacious, cottage, Foulkeways provides proven financial stability, 

comprehensive health care and a community where friendship, 

caring, dignity and respect are a way of life. 

Oaks of Bensalem, 6400 Hulmeville Rd., 

Bensalem, PA 19020; 

215-752-9140; www.sierraoaksofbensalem.com 

Oaks of Bensalem is a welcoming, caring senior community. 

Offering comfortably furnished rooms to fit individual 

preferences and budgets. “Oaks” is unique in providing highquality 

compassionate care. Visit us and discover why so many 

choose to call “Oaks” home! 

Pine Run Retirement Community, 777 Ferry Road, 

Doylestown Pennsylvania 18901; 215-345-9000; www.pinerun.org 

Pine Run is committed to and passionate about seniors, and 

we are dedicated to being an exceptional retirement community. 

By focusing on a spectrum of wellness for everyone 

in our continuum, we will enhance the quality of life 

throughout the region. Pine Run attracts those with an 

affinity for independence, who appreciated the fine setting 

and neighborly ways. 

“We are authentic, compasionite, 

and deeply committed to serving 

each person we encounter.” 

6400 Hulmeville Rd., Bensalem, PA 19020 

215.752.9140 / www.oaksofbensalem.com 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 65

Seed to Plate 

continued from page 45 

take-out. Still another new offering is the 

pre-ordered picnic baskets featuring the 

Mainland’s own charcuterie. Make sure to 

bring a blanket to create your own “Le Déjeuner 

sur l’herbe.” 

With renovations completed and a 

knowledgeable staff in place, Sloane has reinvented 

the Mainland Inn into a casual yet sophisticated 

restaurant—making it both a 

neighborhood go-to and a favorite dining 

destination. 

Tour over, we wend our way back to our 

table. Everything on the lunch menu sounds 

Accompanying it 

is a medley of pickled 

carrots, beets and red 

cabbage, with each 

retaining the integrity 

of its color, flavor and 

crunch, and a savory 

side of bulgur wheat 

and fennel. 

tantalizing and, admittedly, I’m having a 

tough time deciding. Sensing my dilemma, 

Sloane says, “I always tell a customer ‘Order 

something that you don’t like. Because 

chances are very good you’ll like it.’” 

My problem is I like everything on the 

menu. Then I remember Skylar and go with 

his favorite appetizer: pastrami egg and 

kraut. The boy knows his food. A nutritional 

take on an old classic, it explodes with freshness 

and flavor. 

On the recommendation of both Sloane 

and our knowledgeable server Sarah, I next 

try the chilled white cauliflower soup, gar- 


nished with purple, green and orange cauliflower, 

each prepared differently, and with 

radish, preserved lemon and potato confit. 

With no additon of cream, it was an ethereal 

creamy creation and was as pleasing to my 

palate as it was to my eye with its artistic presentation. 

For my sandwich I chose the lamb 

burger. Sweet and succulent, the lamb burger 

arrives on an in-house freshly baked pita delectably 

laced with in-house curry mayo and 

topped with kalamata olives, arugula, tomato 

and pickled red onion. Accompanying it is a 

medley of pickled carrots, beets and red cabbage, 

with each retaining the integrity of its 

color, flavor and crunch, and a savory side of 

bulgur wheat and fennel. (I’m a happy diner. 

And a more perfect meal I can’t remember.) 

Over lunch Sloane tells me about customers 

to the market who share their recipes 

and personal stories with her. Many of them, 

she says, have dietary problems or illnesses, 

including cancer. They tell her they are on 

their way to recovery or have been healed 

since buying and eating the food she grows 

and raises. 

Fit and toned, Sloane exudes good 

health. Cancer-free now for eight years, she 

says, she’s never felt better. 

Reflecting on those years, she says, “It’s 

been a wonderful adventure and journey. 

Even the cancer—though a mountain, it was 

a gift. Changing my lifestyle saved my life. It 

cured my soul. It cured my body.” 

She attributes that, she says, to “living a 

purposeful, meaningful life.” “It’s now what 

I’m driven to do every day. Through the farm 

and the Mainland Inn, I’m helping others. I 

feel fortunate and blessed. And I enjoy it 

when people want their food to be raised this 

way. If I can impact other lives and the environment, 

I don’t need to do anything else.” 

Quarry Hill Farm is located at 620 

Quarry Road in Harleysville; 215-513-1514; 

www.quarryhillfarm.net. The Mainland 

Inn is located at 17 Mainland Road in 

Harleysville; 484-704-260; www.main 

landinn.com. 

Diana Cercone is an area freelance writer who 

specializes in food, art and travel. 

3120 Fisher Rd Lansdale, PA 610-584-1150 

www.bradfordwoodworking.com 

info@bradfordwoodworking.com 

Fall Moonlight Hayrides 

Come this fall for hayrides and our Fall Festival 

Children’s Birthday and 

Moonlight Hayride packages 

Northern Star Farm 

Matthew Wismar and Daughters 

ROUTE 113, TRAPPE, PA 

215-859-7302 

Northstarfarm.net 

Ask About Winter Sleigh Rides 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 67

Home 

Block and 

Concrete 

Landis Block & Concrete is a 

distributor of stylish pavers used in 

a variety of interesting designs. 

–by Mary Beth Schwartz 

HHOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU FOUND 

yourself wandering around one of the giant box stores 

in search of products, in search of expert advice, for an 

at-home landscaping project? A majority of the time, the 

trip ends in frustration. Family owned and operated since 

1942, Landis Block & Concrete, Inc. specializes in the 

manufacture and distribution of stone, block, concrete, 

and other building products for residential contractors & 

homeowners, as well as commercial builders, from Pennsylvania 

to Maryland. 

“We have guys that have been in the field for over 20 

years and are well versed in codes and installation of our 

products. We can help customers determine if they can 

indeed do it themselves or if they need to hire a profes- 


sional contractor. We have a list of preferred contractors 

in the area, including bricklayers, stone masons, and 

landscaper designers,” says Vice President Jarrod Nyce. 

At Landis Block & Concrete, Inc., they feature a 

variety of supplies. For your landscape needs, you can 

obtain professional pavers, wall systems, fabrics, concrete 

products, landscape stone, Belgian block, flagstone, 

and natural retaining wall stone. Landis is an 

exclusive distributor for the pavers and wall systems of 

Cambridge Pavers, Inc. For fireplace supplies, they carry 

products from Vestal and FireRock, along with flagstone 

hearths, metal chimney caps, and clay chimney 

tops. For craftsmen seeking stone veneer, Landis Block 

& Concrete, Inc. has quarry cut stone, as well as brands 

Cultured Stone, Pinnacle Stone, and Pro Stone. If you 

need to purchase brick and block supplies, Landis can 

Opposite, a kitchen and fireplace with firebox extensions. The stone veneer in mix 

of Cambridge Santa Fe and Midnight Slate. Right, an approach to the house 

using Canyon Blend from Cambridge’s Roundtable Collection. Top right a view 

of the entrance of Landis Block & Concrete. Bottom, beautiful pool coping and 

approach using Ledgestone and Cast Bluestone. 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 69

Top Quality Furniture at Discount Prices! 

Oak • Maple 

Cherry • Pine 

Dinette Sets - Desks 

Rockers - Painted Furniture 

Counter Stools –Bookcases 

Occasional Tables -Table Lamps 

Tiffanys - Chandeliers 

Since 1925 

R E E D ’S C O U N T R Y S T O R E 

Rts. 202 & 73 • Center Square, PA. 610.275.9426 

Hours: Mon.,Tues.,Sat. 9-6 / Wed.-Fri. 9-9, Sun 10-5 

accommodate. They stock face brick, gray 

block, and split face block, plus a large display 

of masonry tools from top manufacturers. 

You can arrange local delivery 

through Landis Block & Concrete, Inc. 

Last but not least, the company makes its 

own concrete. There is a fleet of 20-plus 

mixer trucks and two boom pump trucks. 

The Nyce Crete facility in Lansdale has 

masonry materials, mortar, sand, stone, 

and block. 

“We have seen a surge in outdoor living 

spaces—essentially turning your backyard 

into an oasis. Some people like to 

call them staycations. The ornate spaces 

have patios, fireplaces, fire pits, amenities 

of that nature,” Nyce says. 

“We distribute our products through 

Landis Block & Concrete, Inc. We manufacture 

outdoor living components. 

The Cambridge 

wall and paving 

systems can be 

cleaned with 

household products. 

Handmade 

Quilts 

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OVER 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS 

MANY OF EMMA’S 

OWN DESIGNS 

Open Mon.& Fri. 8-8,Tues,Thurs & Sat 8-6 

Closed on Wed. 

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1076 WEST MAIN STREET 

NEW HOLLAND, PA 

(717) 656-9526 

WE SHIP TO YOU 

There are kits for pizza ovens, waterfalls, 

kitchens, fountains, fire tables, fire pits, 

fireplaces, and patio pub & bistro tables. 

We also offer Pavingstone systems for 

your patio, pool, deck, walkway, and 

driveway. Our Wallstone systems include 

retaining walls, planters, tree rings, garden 

borders, knee walls, and sitting 

walls,” says Charles Gamarekian, President 

of Cambridge Pavers, Inc. and 

Founder of The Interlocking Concrete 

Pavement Institute (ICPI). 

For 2016, Gamarekian offers some 

previews on his products. “We will have 

a larger size paving stone. There will be 

new textures. We have one that looks 

like wood decking and has the grain of 

the wood in the paver. And we have an 

insert that can go right within a retaining 

wall. You run a gas line down, and you 


can have fire come directly out of the 

wall. There also will be a fire pit with a 

water feature in the middle of it,” 

Gamarekian says. 

Gamarekian offers some tips on your 

outdoor living space. One: doing an outdoor 

room in the fall does not mean that 

you have to wait until the spring to enjoy 

it. It is a room for all seasons. People enjoy 

barbecuing all year long. Fire pits and fireplaces 

are great for cocktail hours during 

the holidays. Two: the space is expandable. 

You can start with a small patio, add 

a grill kitchen or fire pit, then bring in a 

retaining seating wall. He says you should 

start with the vision of what you want you 

ultimately want the space to be. Three: 

build with retaining walls. You can use 

them to raise patios or to be part of a grill, 

fire pit, pizza oven, or seating wall. Four: 

be creative. Retaining walls and paving 

stones come in a multitude of colors and 

textures. You can contrast or complement 

in the design. For example, with the 

paving stones, you can have some that are 

embossed, some that are flat, and then 

mix the sizes. Finally: do not worry about 

yearly maintenance. The Cambridge wall 

and paving systems can be cleaned with 

household products. It also is not necessary 

to do sealing. 

Cambridge Pavers, Inc. comes to Landis 

Block & Concrete, Inc. throughout 

the year. Whether it is for contractor 

training or weekend DIY clinics for 

homeowners, they enjoy educating clients 

on their products. You can see Cambridge 

products in the Landis showroom. 

Landis Block & Concrete, Inc. is located 

at 711 North County Line Road, Souderton, 

PA 18964. Store hours are Monday 

through Friday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., 

and Saturday from 7 a.m. until 12 p.m. 

Their phone number is 215-723-5506. 

You can visit Landis online on Facebook 

or at www.landisbc.com. For Cambridge 

Pavers, Inc., visit their comprehensive 

website at www.cambridgepavers.com. 

Mary Beth Schwartz is a freelance writer who frequently 

contributes to regional publications. 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 71

HOME & GARDEN PROJECTS 

The View From 

the House 

Photos: Rob Cardillo 

Gale Nurseries example of allowing 

the architecture of the house to 

drive the design 

By Bob Waite 

Imagine a large Montgomery County estate with 

needs for privacy, ponds, a lap pool, pool house 

and landscaping that is graded so gradually that 

when walking the property you will not feel the 

grade but can still see it in the distance. Loren Foster, 

a landscape architect and vice president of Gales Nurseries, 

who worked on the project from the inception, 

achieved these goals by allowing the architecture of the 

home to drive the design. The longest vistas would be maximized 

running almost due north/south and east/west. 

A 16-foot by 75-foot pool was incorporated into the 

design. The pool itself has a raised stone coping to give it 

a sense of being from an older era. Twenty inches above 

the water level of the pool is an eight-foot by eight-foot spa 

with cascading waterfall. The pool and two lily ponds are 

on the east/west axis and at the terminus of the axis is a 

pool house that has a common entertainment area, 

kitchen and bathroom with a changing area. The pool 

house was designed by Peter Zimmerman Architects and 

built by Griffiths Construction. 

To help screen neighboring properties and to open 

up usable space, large evergreens that average 30 feet tall 

were transplanted from within the property. A significant 

amount of grading work was completed to create visual 

interest but also balance the cut/fill soil calculations and 

reduce amount of soil hauled on or off the property. Large 

and gently pitching lawn panels are integrated into the grading 

to allow for special events. And a large knoll is on the 

north side of the property that helps provide screening of 

neighboring properties and a walking trail with exquisite 

views of the property. The knoll provides a backdrop to the 


longest north/south vista and has been planted 

with hydrangea, dawn redwoods, and miscellaneous 

transplanted trees. Over 400 roses were 

transplanted to a sunken garden that runs on 

the north/south axis. 

Gale Nurseries, an award winning design/build 

landscape company, was started in 

1927 by Charles H. Gale II. Now in its fourth 

generation, the company is known for its fine 

work and its well-designed projects in the 

Philadelphia region, including Montgomery 

and Bucks County. 

Gale Nurseries begins their process with a 

consultation and site visit with the client. During 

this initial meeting they get to know about the 

client's lifestyle. They talk about subjects such as how many children 

they have, do they entertain and are they away during August. How the 

client lives is more important to Gale than the terrain. It is the nucleus 

of how they build a garden. The layout and architecture of any existing 

or proposed structures on the property is also a driving factor. The views 

and the aesthetic from the inside of a home are almost more important 

than the views from the outside as more time is spent from the inside. 

It is in our first meeting with a new client and first few site visits that 

these guidelines start to form conceptual designs. 

Gale Nurseries has won numerous awards including: Philadelphia 

Flower Show/ Pennsylvania Horticulture Society, Best of Show, 

PHS Council Trophy, The Philadelphia Trophy, Pennsylvania Nurserymen's 

Association Landscape Award Philadelphia Chamber of 

Commerce, Montgomery County Planning Commission Award, 

Men's Garden Club of Delaware Valley, Garden Club of Bala Cynwyd, 

Society of American Florist Award, Delaware Valley College 

Plant Science Award, The Wilkinson Sword Award and The Royal 

Horticulture Society—England. Gale Nurseries Inc., is located at 1716 

School House Road, Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437. For more information, 

call 215-699-4714. 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 73

Dining Out 

–by Sue Gordon 

Photos: Glenn Race 

B A Y P O NY I N N 

It was a beautiful late summer night in the tiny crossroads 

village of Lederach. A chorus of cicadas serenaded us as 

we pulled into the parking lot of the Bay Pony Inn. My 

mind immediately flashed back several decades to when 

my husband, Bob, and I first moved to Lansdale and spent 

hours driving around what was, at the time, the largely undeveloped 

center of Montgomery County searching out the best 

local cafés, restaurants and farm markets. The Bay Pony Inn was 

a standout—a quintessential country inn (originally build in the 

1700s as the Lederach family home, and converted to a 

tavern/roadhouse in 1834) whose gracious fieldstone facade had 

somehow acquired a bizarre appendage: an 1890s Pullman rail 

car attached to the side of the building and converted to a private 

dining room. (And, yes, it's still there!) 

I recall the food as being tasty and traditional with an emphasis 

on American classics like Prime Rib and Surf and Turf, 

and we returned several times for lunch and dinner. Later, when 

we began to write professionally about food, our beat was Bucks 

County, and it soon expanded into Philadelphia and the Lehigh 

Valley. Gradually the Bay Pony Inn and its country cousins in 

nearby Skippack dropped off our habitual restaurant trails. I am 

somewhat embarrassed to admit that when we visited the Bay 

Pony Inn to prepare for this article, it had been at least 15 years 

since our last meal there. So, with nostalgia and curiosity, Bob 

and I ventured forth to see how the Bay Pony Inn had weathered 

the intervening years. 

And here's the update: the building is still charming and 

quirky, the service is polished and friendly and the food… well, 

the food has taken a quantum leap into the 21st century. It was 

marvelous. The credit must go to the current owners, Austrian 

restaurateur Eduard Knechtl and his wife, Florence, whose 

warm and welcoming demeanor and years of experience in fine 

dining (including, in Eduard's case, a 13 year stint at the William 

Penn Inn) have successfully steered the restaurant through the 

lean years of the Great Recession and emerged with a renewed 

emphasis on quality and hospitality. 

Equally important is the talented team in the kitchen: executive 

chefs, Sam Herteer, a Johnson and Wales alum who has 


een with the Knechtl's since they acquired the inn, and C.I.A. 

grad, Kevin Grant. Together they have created a menu that straddles 

the line between tradition (to satisfy long time customers) 

and new American cooking which focuses on farm-to-table freshness 

and imaginative sides and seasonings. 

To spot this successful fusion of old and new, all you need 

do is read through the appetizer list, now designated "Starters 

and Shareable." It includes choices like Deviled Eggs (traditional) 

with Smoked Salmon (modern), Crispy Fried Oysters (traditional) 

with Sriracha Aioli (au courant) and Steamed Mussels 

with a tomato garlic broth, rather than old school red sauce. 

I decided to start with a Roasted Red Beet Salad, a colorful 

plate of sweet roasted beets tossed with baby beet greens, toasted 

walnuts, and savory gorgonzola crumbles, and dressed with a 

lovely beet balsamic vinaigrette. Bob selected a Veggie Flatbread 

topped with spinach, sundried tomatoes, mushrooms, onions 

Z A KES C A FÉ 

If there's one thing I've learned as a food writer, it's that the 

restaurant business can be brutal. Good restaurants—sometimes 

very good ones—come and go, because it takes much more than 

a dream and culinary talent to keep a restaurant thriving. It requires 

a complicated mixture of patience, determination, creativity, 

business savvy and community connections. And if you 

want to see this "secret sauce" in action, take a ride down Old Bethlehem 

Pike to the tiny hamlet of old Fort Washington where Zakes 

Café is quietly celebrating its 20th anniversary with little fanfare and 

a full complement of devoted customers. 

Zakes is the culinary collaboration of Marlene Zakes and her 

brother, Joseph McFadden. Marlene began her career as a pastry chef 

in Philadelphia in the '70s. In 1979, she struck out on her own and 

opened Zakes Cakes, in East Falls, convincing Joe to join her in the 

kitchen. The popular bakery, well known for its lavish desserts and 

wedding cakes, gradually expanded and, finally, with the encouragement 

of its customers, began serving lunch. And the business grew 

and grew and outgrew its modest space. So in 1995, Marlene and Joe 

took a leap of faith and relocated Zakes Cakes to a rambling 19th 

century Victorian mansion across from the Fort Washington train 

station. And once again, success followed. Zakes Cakes continued to 

turn out award-winning cakes and pastries, and their lunch business 

blossomed. 

Then, in 2005, again at the urging of their customers, Marlene 

and Joe began serving breakfast, and finally, a few years ago, dinner. 

Now, Zakes Café is open seven days a week serving breakfast and 

lunch, Sunday brunch, and dinner, Wednesday through Saturday 

(BYOB). And, of course, the bakery is open whenever the café is 

open! Do these people ever sleep? 

It's hard to capture the diversity and creativity of Zakes' multiple 

menus in one or two words; but I do concur with the way the café is 

self-described on its Facebook page as American Fusion. It's also difficult 

to choose a few signature dishes when the chefs change the 

menu every week. But, fresh, imaginative and seasoned with finesse 

are all fitting monikers for Zakes' cuisine. 

Our recent dinner began with a basket of three fresh baked 

breads including rosemary-scented focaccia, farmhouse white and a 

lovely soft textured whole wheat. Next up: a Crispy Local Corn Cake, 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 75

DINING OUT GUIDE 

Bay Pony Inn, 508 Old Skippack Rd., Lederach, PA; 

215-256-6565; www.bayponyinnpa.com 

The Bay Pony Inn is where informal elegance and warm hospitality 

come quite naturally. A blend of American and international 

culinary traditions, gracious service and warm 

hospitality await you. We invite you to visit us and allow us to 

share with you a bit of this old world charm and 

elegance.Lunch, Tues.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Sunday 

Brunch, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Dinner, Tues.–Thurs., 4:30–9 

p.m., Fri.-Sat, 4:30-10:30 p.m., Sun. 4:30-8 p.m. Closed Monday. 

Banquet and wedding facilities. 

Blue Bell Inn, 601 W. Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA; 

215-646-2010 www.bluebellinn.com. 

The Blue Bell Inn began welcoming guest in 1743 and a regular 

patron was George Washington. Now recently remodeled, 

yet retaining its historic integrity, the Inn is known for fine 

Contemporary American food, which includes premium cuts 

of meat, a raw bar and seafood and outdoor dining on the 

flagstone patio is available by request. Hours: Monday–Thursday 

11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m., 

Sunday brunch 10 a.m.–2 p.m., and dinner 5 p.m.–7 p.m. 

La Pergola, 726 West Ave, Jenkintown, PA; 

215-884-7204 www.viewmenu.com. 

La Pergola’s international cuisine takes you to culinary fare 

around the Mediterranean. Testing the unique authentic dishes 

and appetizers, would make you feel as if you are sitting at a 

sidewalk cafe or restaurant in Tel Aviv or Athens.Enjoy contemporary 

cosmopolitan cuisine based on pure pleasure. La 

Pergola Restaurant offers healthy and delightful dishes from 

every corner of the Mediterranean. We offer casual fine dining 

at reasonable prices. Hours: Monday–Friday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., 

Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.–9 p.m. 

Mainland Inn, 17 Mainland Road, Harleysville, PA; 

484-704-2600; www.mainlandinn.com. 

In January 2015, farmer Sloane Six and her family reopened 

the doors to Mainland Inn, an elegant eco revival of the historic 

Montgomery County inn that acts as an extension of her 

farm, Quarry Hill located just a mile and a half away. With an 

emphasis placed on culinary craftsmanship and nutritionally 

rich preparations, they have committed to sourcing only 100% 

organically grown and sustainably sourced ingredients on our 

menu. Heirloom vegetables and heritage, pasture-raised meats 

from itsown onsite gardens and farm, as well as other local 

farms allow our frequently-changing seasonal menu to offer 

you the freshest ingredients of the suburban Philadelphia region. 

Lunch: Tuesday–Friday 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Dinner: Tuesday– 

Saturday 5 p.m.–9 p.m. 

New Tavern Restaurant, 261 Montgomery Ave, Bala 

Cynwyd, PA; 610-667-9100 www.thetavernrestaurant.com. 

Since 1933, the Tavern has been known for great traditional 

American and Italian food and friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere. 

In 1974, Nick and George became the proprietors 

Mainlandinn.com 


DINING OUT GUIDE 

of the Tavern and continued the tradition that earned them 

loyal friends and customers. Lunch: Monday–Saturday 11:30 

p.m.–3 p.m. Dinner: Monday–Thursday 5 p.m.–10 p.m., Friday– 

Saturday 5 p.m.–10 p.m. 

Tex Mex Connection, 201 E. Walnut St., North Wales, 

PA; 214-699-9552; www.texmexconnection.com. 

Tex Mex Cuisine: Characterized by the adaptation of Mexican 

food by Texan cooks. Often exemplified by the extensive use 

of meats and spices (foreign and native) resulting in creative 

seafood dishes, great steaks, tender ribs, and juicy pork as 

well as our interpretation of standards like chile con queso, 

nachos and fajitas. Not Mexican, not Texan, just Tex-Mex. Dining 

Room: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m.– 

9 p.m. Bar: 11 a.m.–2 a.m. 

William Penn Inn, 1017 Dekalb Pike, Gwynedd, PA; 

215-699-9272; www.williampenn.com. 

Established in 1714 as a public house, the William Penn is an 

historical venue based in the rich tradition of hospitality. The 

Inn is renowned for its dedication to a tradition of continental 

country dining in a relaxed, cordial atmosphere along with 

exquisite cuisine, fine wines, personal service and flawless coordination. 

Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m, Saturday 

11:30 a.m–2:30 p.m. Dinner: Monday-Friday 5 p.m.–10 p.m., 

Saturday: 4:30 p.m.–11 p.m., Sunday Sunday: 2 p.m.–8 p.m. Sunday 

brunch 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 

77

BAY PONY 

and feta cheese than grilled to golden perfection. Both starters 

were delicious, and easily large enough to share. 

The menu's entrée selections are evenly balanced between 

land and sea; but according to Eduard, the kitchen happily accommodates 

vegetarian requests. Favorites among carnivores are 

the Filet Two Ways–twin filets of prime beef, one topped with 

gorgonzola, the other with mushrooms and artichoke hearts; 

and Grilled Chicken Pasta tossed with spinach, mushrooms, 

and peppers in a white wine garlic sauce. For seafood fans, 

there's the de rigueur Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with a lemony 

beurre blanc, and spicy Cioppino, a Mediterranean classic stew 

filled with scallops, shrimp and mussels and topped with a half 

lobster tail, all served over angel hair pasta. 

My selection, a Tex-Mex inspired version of Grilled Swordfish, 

was exquisitely moist and tender, flavored with lime juice 

and cilantro, and sided with a warm salad of black beans and 

fresh sweet corn. A riotous tangle of fried onions added a flavorful 

crunch. If I were handing out stars, I'd rate this as one of 

the best fish steaks I've ever tasted. Bob went classic French with 

Grilled Baby Lamb Chops plated with a deeply flavored rosemary-Dijon 

demi-glaze. The chops were nestled on a pillow of 

whipped Yukon Gold potatoes, and accompanied by tender 

crisp baby carrots and fresh asparagus, proving that sometimes, 

time-honored preparations just can't be surpassed. 

As expected, the inn's dessert tray leans toward American favorites 

like apple pie, chocolate lava cake and crème bruleé. But 

ZAKES CAFE 

and a very shareable portion of Vietnamese Style Crispy Calamari. 

The plate-sized sweet corn fritter was fluffy and tender on the inside, 

and golden on the outside. It was served with a delicious stone fruit 

chutney, made with peaches, plums, dried cherries, and white raisins, 

delicately flavored with ginger and cardamom. The crispy calamari 

was mounded on top of a luscious mango and cucumber salad tossed 

with chili vinaigrette and sprinkled with roasted peanuts to complete 

a savory and palate-pleasing dish. 

Zakes' entrées highlight the kitchen's creative approach to American 

cooking. A dish of Free Range Roasted Chicken is sided with 

crispy polenta and a mélange of chanterelle mushrooms, summer 

squash and fresh corn. Pan Roasted King Salmon gets an Asian treatment 

with Thai coconut curry, Japanese eggplant, rice noodles and 

roasted butternut squash. I selected the Summer Risotto, a creamy 

mixture of toothsome rice (with the emphasis on "cream") laced with 

local chanterelles, asparagus, and roasted squash, delicately flavored 

with white wine and truffle oil and topped with nutty parmigiano 

reggiano. 

My husband's entrée, Tuna au Poivre, was a praiseworthy fusion 

of classic technique and Asian flavors. The pepper-encrusted 

tuna steak, pan seared but still sushi-rare inside, was plated on a 

bed of soba noodles, sauced with a luscious ginger plum salsa and 

accompanied by crispy tempura summer squash and sesame 


the little devil on my shoulder was whispering, "Yum…Bread 

Pudding" so we ignored the calories and polished off our meal 

with a dense slice of that¬–a family favorite¬–topped with chocolate 

cherry ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. 

In addition to the wonderful food and interesting conversation 

with our host, Eduard, I would be remiss if I didn't mention 

the marvelous music wafting through the main dining room 

from the adjacent lounge. That's where, on many Friday and 

Saturday evenings, you'll find local musician and Philly Pops 

member, Dave Cianci, at the piano. Be sure to come early or 

stay late for a drink in the lounge so you can enjoy his great 

arrangements. 

Final notes: The Bay Pony serves Sunday Brunch, combining 

a lavish buffet with a signature entrée, and offers nightly dinner 

specials with "vintage pricing." In addition, there's a 3-course 

prix fixe menu available daily from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for $24.95. 

It's just one of the many reasons to way your way through the 

lovely, leafy lanes of Central Montco to Lederach, and savor the 

casual elegance of the Bay Pony Inn. 

The Bay Pony Inn is located at 508 Old Skippack Road (at the intersection 

of Route 113), in Lederach, PA; 215-256-6565; www.bayponyinnpa.com . 

Lunch, Tues.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Sunday Brunch, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 

p.m.; Dinner, Tues.–Thurs., 4:30–9 p.m., Fri.-Sat, 4:30-10:30 p.m., Sun. 

4:30-8 p.m. Closed Monday. Banquet and wedding facilities. 

spinach. Delightful. 

One of the nicest things about dinner at Zakes is their highly affordable 

Prix Fixe menu (3 courses, $28) available on Wednesday and 

Thursday. I hadn't realized when I ordered, but both my appetizer 

and entrée were part of the prix fixe carte, so I also got what was billed 

as a "mini" dessert plate, but which was more than enough to satisfy 

my sweet tooth and even to share. It featured a summer shortcake 

filled with fresh whipped cream and topped with fresh berries, a lovely 

chocolate éclair and a light blueberry tart with a puff pastry base, 

fresh berries and a strudel topping. My husband sampled and devoured 

a chocolate peanut butter cupcake. 

Breakfast, lunch and brunch at Zakes are equally popular and 

meticulously prepared. From the café's award winning Honey Lemon 

Pancakes to the Scottish Wedding Breakfast (scrambled eggs with 

house cured salmon) to delicious sandwiches prepared with fresh 

baked bread, creative salads and the wonderful vegetarian chili available 

a lunch, Marlene and Joe continue to innovate and incorporated 

the very best of new food trends and flavors. And Zakes' fans are already 

looking forward to the next decade of praise-worthy eating. 

Zakes Café is located at 444 S. Bethlehem Pike Ft. Washington, PA; 215- 654- 

7600;www.zakescafe.jimdo.com. Breakfast, Mon.–Sat., 7:30-11 a.m.; Lunch, 

Mon.–Sat., 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; Sunday Brunch, 8 a.m. -2.30 p.m.; Dinner, Wed.–Sat., 

From 5:30 p.m. BYOB. Catering available. Dinner reservations strongly suggested.

Queen of Fall Flowers 


tender October 7; and late season extender 

October 14. 

Mums give us a burst of color before 

the drab winter. In addition to white, yellow, 

and bronze, you’ll find shades of 

pink, lavender, and maroon. Try to purchase 

field grown mums, grown outdoors 

right in our area. They will be more likely 

to survive their first winter in your garden. 

Blooming mum plants can be planted 

in the garden in fall with a little extra care. 

Here's how to help them survive their first 

winter in the ground. 

Select bushy, well-branched plants 

with small, leafy stems emerging from the 

base of the plants, or sprouting around 

the edge of the pot. The earlier you plant, 

the longer your mums will have to develop 

good root systems—a crucial factor 

in determining winter hardiness. 

Choose a very well-drained location. 

More fall-planted mums die from root rot 

than from the effects of low temperatures. 

Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the 

plant's root ball and set each plant in the 

planting hole one inch deeper than it grew 

in its nursery pot; spread out the roots. 

After cold weather kills the flowers 

and leaves, water only if the soil becomes 

very dry. Trim back tops very slightly to 

remove dead blossoms. 

Don't mulch mums until the end of 

December. If there is no snow cover at 

that time, lay conifer boughs or a layer of 

shredded dry leaves over the plants' 

crowns. Gradually remove the mulch in 

spring. Removing the mulch all at once 

may cause the tender new growth to die. 

Wait until after the last spring frost to 

move mums. That's the best time to dig 

and divide any garden chrysanthemum. 

When growth resumes in spring (or 

just after transplanting), work some compost 

into the soil around each plant. 

If you are adventurous, leave new 

mums in their pots until they finish 

flowering. Cut them back to six inches 

high and put them in an unheated 

garage, shed or basement – anywhere 

they won’t get frostbite. Water them 

once a month. When you see new 

growth in spring, start watering them 

weekly. Take them outside during the 

day for a week after all danger of frost 

has passed, then put them in the 

ground. 

When treated this way, your mums 

will be more likely to survive their first 

winter and give you many more years of 

enjoyment in exchange for minimal care. 

To prevent mums from becoming 

lanky, cut them down by one-third on 

Blooming mum 

plants can be planted 

in the garden in fall 

with a little extra care. 

Memorial Day, then again on July 4th. 

This will help the plant become bushy, 

while still allowing time for flower buds 

to form. Try tying a “belt” of green twine 

around mums. Sometimes, no matter 

how bushy they become, a hard rain or 

strong winds will cause them to flop 

open anyway. 

By the time mums in the garden have 

finished blooming, you may want to cut 

them back for aesthetics, but try to leave 

them up if you can. The dead branches 

catch blowing leaves and snow, and often 

manage to collect just the right amount 

of protective mulch. Trimming off dead 

blossoms and wayward branches is fine, 

but as the mum experts say, "Nature doesn't 

trim back the dead branches in winter, 

and neither should you." 

Start your own beautiful autumn garden 

with these low-maintenance, high-satisfaction 

plants. Then sit back and watch 

them put on their show. 

Lori Pelkowski, The Midnight Gardener, is a Temple 

University Certified Master Home Gardener. 

Crafts 


tinue to make her own pottery for commissions 

and for exhibition. 

At first she offered group classes for 

children after school, but found that set 

hours like that would not accommodate 

parents in the area. So she stopped the 

group classes and began giving children 

individual classes, giving both parents and 

children more flexibility. 

Adult classes are structured groups 

and individuals. The classes for adults are 

held from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday 

afternoon and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and 

Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. During the 

fall and spring there are also adult classes 

on Friday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

In her classes the principles of ceramics 

are learned from stretching clay and 

manipulating clay to tooling and glazing. 

Everything possible to make with clay is 

done by the students: tile, jewelry, pots, 

plates and molds. 

Nicole also does her own work. She 

does commission work and demonstrations. 

She makes items for people that 

like to come in and paint already made 

pottery. “They come in and apply color 

and glaze and I fire it.” 

Nicole is well aware of the privilege she 

has as an artist and as a businesswoman in 

the community. So she also uses ceramics 

to raise money for various organizations 

that directly help people. One is the Daily 

Bread pantry, which helps feed people who 

are in transition, homeless or in temporarily 

difficult situations. 

Black Sheep Pottery is located at 4038 

Skippack Pike, Skippack Village, PA 

19474-0393. For more information about 

classes and community events, call 610- 

584-5877 or visit www.blacksheeppot 

tery.org. 

Bob Waite is the editor of MONTCO Homes, 

Gardens & Lifestyle. 

F A L L 2 0 1 5 79

Finale 

Autumn Splendor 

A reflected refulgence of Glory covers the autumn forest as a 

colorful design displaying the Giver of light whose first edict 

still stands.

MONTCO fall15

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